(AP) – A guilty verdict has been set aside for a western Missouri lawmaker whose cattle escaped.

Last month a St. Clair County judge found Republican Rep. Warren Love, of Osceola, guilty of misdemeanor animal abuse, but Judge Garrett R. Crouch II set that judgment aside Monday.

Love’s attorney had filed a motion earlier this month asking for a new trial or for the guilty verdict to be set aside. The St. Clair County prosecuting attorney now has 30 days to file a motion to reconsider.

The prosecutor said in court documents that Love – who took office in January – did not provide adequate control of his cattle in August 2012.