More than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were left to starve among the carcasses of other animals at a Buckinghamshire farm, a court heard.
The “horror scene” was uncovered after RSPCA inspectors were called to Spindle Farm at Hyde Heath in Amersham.
In total, 115 animals had to be rescued and removed from the farm in January.
James Gray, 45, Julie Gray, 41, Jodie Gray, 26, Cordelia Gray, 20, and a teenage boy are standing trial at Bicester Magistrates Court.