Maud Couple Charged in Child, Animal Neglect Case

A Maud couple is facing multiple felony charges after a Bowie County Sheriff's Office investigation into reports of neglected animals led investigators to what authorities described as unsafe living conditions for both pets and an infant.

The Accusations Began With Animal Mistreatment

According to the Bowie County Sheriff's Office, deputies recently began investigating complaints about mistreated animals at a home on Church Street in Maud, Texas. The residents, identified as 42-year-old Thomas Wayne Pipkins and 26-year-old Raquel Elizabeth Marra, reportedly told deputies the dogs were rescue animals being treated for worms. Investigators said deputies were repeatedly denied access to some of the animals kept inside the home.

Thomas Wayne Pipkins and Raquel Elizabeth Marra - Bowie County Sheriff's Office

During a separate investigation by Texas Child Protective Services involving the welfare of an infant, CPS alerted the sheriff's office to poor living conditions inside the residence and shared photographs showing several dogs and numerous cats in apparent distress.

Search Warrant Revealed Unsanitary Conditions

Sheriff's investigators later obtained a search warrant for the home. Authorities said they found animal urine, feces, and vomit throughout the residence, along with multiple animals that appeared severely underweight and in need of medical care.

The animals were removed from the home and examined by a local veterinarian, who reportedly confirmed signs of neglect.

Child Hospitalized, Investigators Say

The investigation also found concerns involving the infant living in the home. According to authorities, the residence was unsanitary and contained little food suitable for the child.

Investigators said the infant had been hospitalized for failure-to-thrive concerns after continued weight loss. Medical records cited by the sheriff's office indicated the child suffered from moderate malnutrition consistent with physical neglect.

Authorities also noted the home contained several new electronic items, including televisions, gaming systems, and other electronics.