PALESTINE, Texas (August 17, 2022)- Two men have been jailed after an Officer observed over a dozen animals in awful living conditions at a residence.
Shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17th, Animal control was notified that there were several dogs in crates with no food or water outside a residence in the 100 block of Pillar St.
Officers responded with Animal Control and found that there were additional animals inside the residence living in awful conditions. The residence did not have water or electricity and the owners, father and son, were living in their truck parked in the carport.
The owners agreed to surrender 8 of the 12 animals. Due to the animals’ living conditions, officers informed the owners that they were going to obtain a warrant to seize the remaining dogs. The owners then cooperated with the Officers and surrendered all the animals. The animals were then transported to BARC Humane Society.
While removing the animals, Officers observed what they believed to be cocaine and additional pieces of paraphernalia on the hood of the truck in which they were living.
Both suspects, Dennis L Cox Jr.,49, and his son, Dakota L. Cox, 22, of Palestine admitted to the possession of drugs, and both were arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
Dakota L Cox
• Poss CS 1 PG1 Less than 1g
• Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence w/intent to impair
• Poss of marijuana less than 2 oz
• Poss Drug Paraphernalia
Dennis L Cox Jr
• Poss CS PG1 Less than 1g
• Poss of marijuana less than 2oz
• Poss Drug Paraphernalia
The investigation is ongoing, and additional animal cruelty charges are pending.