Dwight Benjamin McCloud appeared in court Thursday and pleaded guilty to all seven counts of animal cruelty, according to the Summerville Journal Scene. 

The tale of Whisper and Traveler, two equines starved to the brink of death, catapulted to the national scene with their adoption by famed singer Willie Nelson.

McCloud will be fined more than $5,000 for not providing adequate care. 

Initially pleading not guilty, McCloud changed his plea during Thursday's hearing, the Journal Scene reported. McCloud had two horses seized, but still has two horses in his possession. 

Due to the conditions of the horses, the prosecutor said the state wishes to give the maximum fine and continue to monitor the (remaining) horses.

(Judge Ava Bryant) Ayers granted a two-week continuance on two of the citations related to the remaining two horses.

Ayers charged McCloud with the other five citations, each for $1,092.50 or 30 days in jail, for a total fine of $5,462.50.

To read more about Thursday's court hearing, click here.