The owner of an animal sanctuary in New York is facing a third0degree grand larceny charge after refusing to return two cows that belonged to a beef farm.

Tracy Murphy the owner of Asha’s Farm Sanctuary in Newfane, claimed the cows wandered onto her property, near Buffalo. After the owner of the cows, Scott Gregon of McKee Farm discovered they were in her possession and asked for them back, she allegedly denied multiple attempts from both him and the police. A warrant for her arrest was issued Tuesday as a result.

“Murphy the president and founder of Asha’s Farm Sanctuary refused to return the cows to the owner. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation collaborated with the Niagara County SPCA, Niagara County District Attorney’s Office and the Town of Newfane Offices resulting in a warrant execution to retrieve the cows from Asha’s Farm Sanctuary and the arrest of Murphy,” the New York State Police said in a statement. “The cows were located and returned to the owner.”

Gregson, 43, told USA TODAY on Wednesday that he is not sure how the cows could have wandered out because he has everything securely locked. He also said that Murphy accused him of trespassing when he asked for his cows back.

"I still to this day don't know how they got out. The fence is in good shape and the gates were all locked,” Gregson explained.

"She asked if I had proof, I was the owner, then told me to get off her property because I was trespassing," he added.

Murphy was booked into the Niagara County Jail on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to the felony charge during her arraignment. She is now currently free on bond, but awaiting sentencing, according to officials.