CONTACT: Brook Arbeitman - brook.arbeitman@oklahomacounty.org

Charges Filed Against Oklahoma City Couple in Animal Cruelty Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --- June 14, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna filed charges against an Oklahoma City couple accused of leaving 36 dogs in a U-haul parked in a Walmart parking lot. Dexter Darol Manuel, 62, and Linda Kay Manuel, 69, both face 36 felony counts of Cruelty to Animals, one misdemeanor count of Transporting Animals in a Cruel or Inhumane Manner and one count of Violation of the Commercial Pet Breeders and Animal Licensing Act.

On June 5, 2023, Oklahoma City police responded to the Walmart located at 7800 NW Expressway to assist Animal Welfare. 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. Investigators cut the padlock to the U-haul and found multiple cages inside with a total of 36 dogs and puppies.

The U-haul was not climate controlled and the temperature inside was 100 degrees. There was no food, water or ventilation accessible to the animals inside the U-haul. Animal Welfare noted three of the dogs were in active heatstroke and the others were laying down, panting and profusely sweating.

One of the dogs had to be euthanized and another of the dogs has since had puppies. They are being cared for by the Oklahoma Humane Society, Nexus Animals, Friends with 4 Paws and All Paws Animal Rescue.

Dexter and Kay Manuel were arrested on June 6, 2023, without incident. They were booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center and bonded out on $20,000 each.

Criminal charges are based on probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

320 ROBERT S. KERR, SUITE 505 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73102 (405) 713-1600
FAX (405) 235-1567

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