California couple arrested at home after 18 dogs found in ‘deplorable conditions’
A woman already facing animal cruelty charges in Nevada County was arrested again Tuesday after authorities conducting a probation search at her home found 18 dogs living in “deplorable conditions,” sheriff’s officials said.
Rita Marie Cox, 48, and her 42-year-old husband were arrested their home in the 10100 block of Dana Court, just west of Highway 49 in Grass Valley. The couple was arrested on suspicion of depriving animals of sustenance or causing needless suffering, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday in a news release.
Rita Cox faces an additional charge for violating a court order. Sheriff’s officials said she has a pending animal cruelty case in Nevada Superior Court in which she was released from custody on her own recognizance as she awaits prosecution. As part of her conditional release, the court ordered her to not have any animals under her control or possession, other than two dogs — not under her care — who belong to a caretaker.
On Tuesday, two sheriff’s animal control officers and two deputies conducted a routine probation search of her home. Sheriff’s officials said they found the 18 dogs inside and outside of the property with urine-soaked carpets, an abundance of fecal matter on the floor and on furniture, lack of access to clean water and food and insufficient shelter among other safety hazards.
Court records show that the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday filed criminal complaints against Cox and her husband. No court dates had been scheduled, and it was unclear whether their arraignment hearing had already taken place.
The wife and husband remained in custody Wednesday afternoon in the Nevada County Jail.
Sheriff’s officials said all 18 dogs, which varied in breeds and in age from newly born to adults, were rescued from the home and taken to Sammie’s Friends, a local animal shelter, for care and treatment.
Authorities expected some of the puppies will be eligible for adoption in the near future. Those interested in adopting the dogs as pets can call Sammie’s Friends at 530-471-5041.
