Oklahoma City, OK – A couple is facing 36 felony counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of 36 dogs locked in the back of a U-haul truck that was in a Walmart parking long on June 5. According to KFOR News, police arrested Dexter Manuel and Linda Manuel; the couple is believed to have been operating a “large” puppy mill out of their home.
On June 8, Oklahoma Humane recounted the cruel incident, writing:
OKC Animal Welfare officers recovered the dogs from a U-Haul that was registering a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the cargo area. The dogs did not have access to food or water. Of the 36 rescued dogs, OK Humane took in 17.
Jonathan Gary of OKC Animal Welfare said:
“It was and is overwhelming for us. Many of the puppies we received were in horrible shape but are doing better now, most had heat stroke.”
One of the dogs removed from the truck had to be euthanized and another has since delivered puppies.
According to Oklahoma Humane, all the dogs taken in by their agency are currently in foster homes. The other dogs rescued from the U-Haul are with Nexus Animals, Friends with 4 Paws and All Paws Animal Rescue.
Dexter and Linda Manuel were booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on June 6 and bonded out on $20,000 each.
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