Three dogs die after 12 were removed from Palestine residence, two arrested

PALESTINE – Officials say three dogs have died after Palestine police removed a dozen dogs from a residence and a father and son were arrested. According to our news partner KETK, the rest of the animals were taken to a local humane society. Authorities say an investigation began after an officer observed the animals living in “awful conditions at the residence.” The two suspects face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. “This is not a puppy mill,” said Palestine police Sgt. Tinsley. “This is some people that were trying to take care of these dogs, and they were struggling to take care of themselves, and the dogs were suffering greatly.”

The father and son are Dennis Cox Jr., 49, and Dakota Cox, 22, The dogs that did survive are available for adoption. They were taken to the BARC Humane Society in Palestine. The investigation is ongoing, and additional animal cruelty charges are pending.