A Wayne County, Kentucky woman has entered a plea of not guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty. Court officials say 53-year-old Jacqueline Helton was initially arrested and charged with 44 counts of cruelty to animals, 25 counts of violation of quarantine and 2 counts of improper disposal of dead animals. Helton’s attorney entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf yesterday in court.

A complaint about the animals’ welfare was originally filed by the property owner, who was leasing the Wayne County farm to Helton. Officials searched and reportedly found four dead horses and several living ones.

Police say Helton illegally brought 19 horses in from out of state without any paperwork. She had been ordered to quarantine the horses, but police say when they arrived, they found more horses mixed in with the original ones. Police allege the animals had no food and their ribs and quarter bone structures were visible.

Helton has faced similar charges in the past. She was charged five years ago with animal cruelty, but the counts were dropped after she completed diversion.