A Greenville woman is facing several charges after humane agents say several animals were found dead and several more were found to be neglected at a livestock auction site in Mercer County.

According to a criminal complaint, humane agents along with officers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responded to the Miller-Mercer Livestock Auction on March 12 for reports of dead animals.

Humane agents say there were several dead animals on the property including five cows and one piglet outside the barn. Several more live animals were found inside in the barn including sheep, donkeys, pigs, cows and a large horse.

Humane agents say most of the live animals inside did not appear to have any access to food or water.

Agents spoke with the owner of the property, identified as 50-year-old Paula Miller. According to the criminal complaint, she told agents she mainly works in the office and did not know what happened.

According to the complaint, Miller is the only owner of the operation and is the one responsible for operations on the property according to USDA guidelines.

When agents asked Miller about a timeframe for when these animals died, she allegedly told them she did not know and that sometimes animals die before they are sold.

According to the complaint, USDA regulations do not allow the auction to take in or sell sick or dead animals. Agents also explained Miller would need to have a contracted vet at the site on sale days to make sure the animals are not sick or dead.

According to court records, Miller is charged with six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals along with 16 misdemeanor counts of neglect of animals.