A Celina man has been indicted in Mercer County on a felony charge of cruelty to companion animals.

65 year old Rick A. Cox is charged with one count of Cruelty to Companion Animals, a fifth degree felony.

According to the indictment filed in Mercer County Common Pleas Court, Cox allegedly knowingly caused serious physical harm to a companion animal on or about August 1 in Mercer County.

The indictment does not identify the type of companion animal and does not provide details explaining how the animal was allegedly injured.

Cox appeared before Judge Matthew K. Fox for an initial appearance on August 24.

The state requested bond be set at $75,000, subject to 10 percent, and the court granted that request.

If released on bond, Cox is prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs of abuse and is subject to random testing.

Court documents also order Cox to have no direct or indirect contact with an individual identified as Ken Hitchens and prohibit Cox from being on the premises of Westbank Dog Park.

Thomas J. Lucente Jr. was conditionally appointed to represent Cox after the court found him indigent.

Cox was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, August 26 at 11 a.m.

The case remains pending in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.