A Grass Valley couple, Rita Marie Cox, 48, and Roy Aaron Cox, 42, were rearrested on animal cruelty charges after a probation search on Tuesday found poor living conditions for 18 dogs. The search, conducted by Animal Control officers and deputies, found "urine-soaked carpets," "an abundance of fecal matter on the floor and on furniture," and a lack of "clean water and food, and insufficient shelter." The case is connected to a previous animal cruelty case from 2022. Rita Cox also faces a charge for violating a court order prohibiting her from owning or controlling animals, as stated by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.

A couple was arrested and taken to the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility without incident, charged under Penal Code 597(B) for depriving animals of sustenance or causing them to suffer. Rita Cox also faces a charge under Penal Code 166(A)(4) for violating a court order. Authorities seized the dogs, which ranged in age and breed, and took them to Sammie’s Friends, a local animal shelter, as reported by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.

According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page, rescued dogs at Sammie’s Friends are now receiving care and treatment. The shelter stated that some puppies "will be eligible for adoption in the near future." Those interested in learning more or adopting can contact the shelter at (530) 471-5041.