On November 2nd, Nacogdoches County deputies were dispatched to a residence on County Road 566 in Etoile in reference to possible cases of animal cruelty. Deputies arrived in the area and found 7 dogs at a residence that appeared to be malnourished. 

Deputies observed that some dogs were chained and had no shelter. Some dogs were inside kennels and had no food or water. The animals showed other apparent medical issues that had been caused from neglect.

Deputies made contact with neighbors who advised they had not seen anyone at the residence for several days, and had observed no one taking care of the animals. Deputies obtained dog food from a neighbor and were able to feed and water all animals. The Sheriff Office was also able to identify a suspect who owned the animals.

On November 3rd, Deputies presented a warrant to seize all the animals and took the warrant to Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 David Perkins. Judge Perkins signed the warrant, and deputies went to the residence and seized all animals. The animals were then taken to the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter where they could seek medical treatment and proper care.

Deputies contacted the suspect and found out from him that he had not fed the animals in over a week. Deputies continued the investigation and found more probable cause that the suspect had neglected the animals and had not properly cared for them.

On November 15th, a court hearing was conducted at the Justice of the Peace, precinct 4 in Woden. When the court proceedings concluded, the animals were awarded to the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter.

On November 22nd, Deputies obtained a warrant for the suspect, Dakota Harrell, 17,  for seven counts of Cruelty to Animals. On November 30th, the suspect turned himself to authorities on the charges, and he was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.

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