(8-23-26) Rick Allan Cox (65) of Celina was booked by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office on a 5th degree felony of Prohibitions Concerning Companion Animals _ torture animal by person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker.

He is being held with no bond at the Mercer County Adult Detention Center.

Ohio Revised Code § 959.131(C)

Ohio law states:

“No person shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to a companion animal.” 

This is an animal-cruelty offense involving serious physical harm.

“Serious physical harm” is specifically defined to include:

  • Physical harm creating an unnecessary or unjustifiable substantial risk of death;
  • Physical harm involving partial or total permanent incapacity; or
  • Acute pain resulting in substantial suffering, or prolonged/intractable pain. 

*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.