A welfare check on animals at a rural residence east of Muldrow led to the arrest of a woman on animal cruelty and neglect charges after authorities allegedly discovered numerous animals in poor condition and without adequate care.
Nicole Dennis, 26, was formally charged on Feb. 26 and received a $3,000 bond. She pled not guilty to the charge and is now scheduled for an April 2 felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court, according to court records.
Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s deputies were initially alerted on the evening of Feb. 18, after Deputy Daniel Whitus conducted an animal welfare check at a residence and observed two dogs in need of veterinary attention.
A follow-up inspection was conducted on Feb. 20 by Deputy Jeff Neighbors and a local veterinarian.
Upon arrival, officials found no one at the residence but observed multiple animals— including dogs, cats, goats and pigs—kept in both the front and back yards.
Authorities reported that a majority of the animals had no access to clean water and no visible food. Several dogs were found chained or confined with limited movement, lacking proper shelter or bedding.
One Husky was reportedly unable to access its shelter, while a young terrier puppy was found chained to a tree with its movement severely restricted.
A female German Shepherd described as “abnormally thin” and possibly suffering from starvation or illness was also located on the property. Investigators later discovered her eight puppies inside the residence.
In addition, a goat and three pigs were found in a pen without food or water, according to the report.
While deputies and the veterinarian were providing water to the animals, the property owner, Dennis, and Cameron Sixkiller arrived at the scene.
After being advised of their rights, both individuals spoke with authorities.
Dennis admitted ownership of most of the animals, while Sixkiller stated he owned two of the dogs on the property.
Based on the conditions observed, authorities determined the animals had been “willfully and maliciously deprived of necessary food, drink, shelter and veterinary care to prevent suffering.”
Dennis was arrested on a complaint of animal cruelty and neglect and transported to the Sequoyah County Jail.
Sixkiller was not immediately taken into custody but was advised that an arrest warrant may be sought.
He agreed to provide food and water for the animals and later brought the puppies to Sallisaw for veterinary examination.
On Feb. 22, Dennis signed paperwork surrendering several animals—including the pigs, goat, German Shepherd and her puppies, and the terrier puppy—to Sequoyah Animal Advocates, LLC.
Authorities said efforts were underway to find homes for the remaining animals.
Photographs and video documenting the conditions were collected as part of the investigation.
District Attorney Jack Thorp said if found guilty of the crime, it is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
