- Oklahoma, USA -
Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna has filed charges against 69-years-old LINDA KAY MANUEL and 62-years-old DEXTER DAROL MANUEL (both pictured).
According to a press release by the DA’s Office, the MANUELS are “accused of leaving 36 dogs in a U-haul parked in a Walmart parking lot,” on 7800 NW Expressway.
On June 5, 2023, “Walmart staff called Animal Welfare to report there was a U-haul parked in the parking lot that sounded and smelled like it was full of animals.” The Oklahoma City Police Department also responded to the scene to assist Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.
The release stated that investigators cut the padlock to the U-Haul. The temperature inside was 100 degrees. Officials found multiple cages with dogs and puppies without food, water or ventilation. Three of the dogs were in active heatstroke and the others were laying down, panting and profusely sweating.
When Oklahoma City Animal Welfare discovered the U-Haul, officers were already working on an animal cruelty case at the couple’s home. It is believed the MANUELS were running a puppy mill.
The MANUELS were arrested on June 6, 2023, and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on thirty-six (36) felony counts of Cruelty to Animals each, one misdemeanor count of Transporting Animals in a Cruel or Inhumane Manner each, and one count of Violation of the Commercial Pet Breeders and Animal Licensing Act each.
The couple were released after posting each a $20,000 bond.
As for the Voiceless Victims, sadly, one dog had to be euthanized after his/her organs began to fail and suffered side effects of the heatstroke. I have emailed the DA’s Office to request additional information about the furbaby. If I receive a response, I will post an update.
All the others are being cared for by the Oklahoma Humane Society, Nexus Animals, Friends with 4 Paws and All Paws Animal Rescue.
The Oklahoma Humane Society said in a Facebook post that they took in seventeen (17) dogs. “One of the dogs later gave birth in our care, bringing our total to 23!”
The organization explained that all dogs are currently in foster homes receiving the necessary care before they can be adopted. The post goes on to say: “Each animal will move through our system at their own pace based on the care they need. Some require heart-worm treatment, some only spay/neuter surgery, and others like these tiny puppies will need more time with their mom to grow big and strong.”
Friends with Four Paws said in a Facebook post that they took in nine dogs.
Please visit their Facebook pages to find out how to help them face this rescue. Thank you!
I despise breeders and I hate those who come to you to buy lives, keeping you in business, instead of saving lives from shelters!
Filthy, cruel, evil, heartless, and soulless breeders, do you want to make money? Sell yourselves!!!!
Authorities did not disclose the name of the furbaby who had to be euthanized so I took the liberty of naming him/her Blossom for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
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