A Greenville woman pleaded guilty Monday to four counts of animal neglect after humane agents found several dead animals at a livestock auction site in Mercer County last month.
Paula Miller, 50, was ordered to pay $1,300 in restitution. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss six counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 12 counts of animal neglect.
According to a criminal complaint, humane agents and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officers responded to the Miller-Mercer Livestock Auction on March 12 for reports of dead animals.
Authorities said they found several dead animals on the property, including five cows and one piglet outside a barn. Inside the barn, they found several more live animals, including sheep, donkeys, pigs, cows, and a large horse that appeared to lack access to food or water.
Agents spoke with Miller, the owner of the property. According to the complaint, she told agents she primarily worked in the office and was unaware of what had happened. The complaint stated that Miller, as the sole owner, was responsible for operating the property under USDA guidelines.
When questioned about when the animals died, Miller allegedly said she did not know and that animals sometimes die before being sold.
According to the complaint, USDA regulations prohibit the auction from accepting or selling sick or dead animals. Agents also stated that Miller was required to have a contracted veterinarian on-site during sale days to ensure animals were not sick or dead.