A Nash County woman is facing felony charges for killing animals and abusing her 10-year-old daughter, according to Nash County Sheriff's Office.
Arrest warrants state that Nancy Beth Gupton willfully killed animals on her property by intentionally starving them.
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On Monday around 2:45 p.m., deputies assisted animal control and found "numerous" dead animals in pens and skeletal remains from decomposed animals at her home on W. Castalia Road in Nashville.
The warrant said that one dog was found extremely emaciated.
Deputies then found her 10-year-old daughter who appeared to be malnourished, had sores on her feet and was dressed in filthy clothes. Deputies said the Gupton disclosed that the daughter lacked access to basic necessities like education, medical care and dental services.
Deputies returned to her home Wednesday to further assess the situation and when they entered, they confirmed hazardous living conditions and took the child to the hospital and then into the custody of Nash County Department of Social Services.
On Thursday, there were 32 animals, including goats, parakeets and chickens removed from the home. More than a dozen animals at the home were found dead.
"It's hard," said Nash County animal control supervisor Jake Barley. "We hate it. I mean really hate it. I think it's something that we're not going to ever forget about for sure ... it's going to stick with us."
NCSO arrested Gupton Wednesday and charged her with one felony count each of killing an animal by starvation and negligent child abuse resulting in serious, physical injury. This case remains under investigation.
Gupton's bond was increased in court to $250,000 from an initial $50,000. If she bonds out, she will not be allowed to have any contact with her daughter.