Oklahoma City Animal Rescue Update: More Than 500 Animals Need Ongoing Care

Oklahoma City Animal Rescue Update: More Than 500 Animals Need Ongoing Care

More than 500 animals rescued during a massive Oklahoma City drug investigation remain in the care of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare as veterinarians continue evaluating their health and investigators pursue animal cruelty charges. The Oklahoma City animal rescue update comes one week after authorities removed hundreds of animals from a southeast Oklahoma City property connected to a large methamphetamine investigation.

While officials initially believed many of the animals appeared healthy, ongoing examinations have revealed numerous medical concerns. Animal Welfare leaders say staff members are working around the clock to provide treatment while preparing many of the animals for eventual placement with rescue partners.

Officials emphasize the rescued animals are not yet available for adoption as the investigation remains active.

Oklahoma City Animal Rescue Update Reveals Growing Health Concerns

The latest Oklahoma City animal rescue update shows the shelter is now caring for more than 500 animals, including:

• More than 450 birds

• 42 dogs

• Four cats

• Four reptiles

• One horse

Because of the unprecedented number of birds, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has reorganized shelter space and converted additional rooms to safely house the rescued animals while veterinary evaluations continue.

Animal Welfare Superintendent Johny Sandoval said the scope of the rescue is unlike anything he has experienced during his decade of working in animal welfare.

Officials now report many of the animals are suffering from health concerns that became apparent only after more thorough veterinary examinations.

Information about Oklahoma City Animal Welfare programs is available through the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.

Animal Cruelty Charges Being Pursued Following Massive Rescue

The Oklahoma City animal rescue update also confirms investigators are working with the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office to pursue potential animal cruelty charges connected to the case.

Authorities say the property owners officially surrendered the animals to Oklahoma City Animal Welfare on June 30, allowing the shelter to begin planning long-term care and eventual placement.

Veterinarians continue evaluating every animal while testing seeks to determine the causes of illness affecting some of those rescued.

Officials confirmed that a small number of animals suffering from critical medical conditions were humanely euthanized after arriving at the shelter.

Despite the crowded conditions created by the rescue, Sandoval said staff has not identified any widespread disease outbreak among the rescued animals.

Additional information about Oklahoma's animal cruelty laws can be found through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN).

Shelter Seeking Community Support During Historic Rescue

Although the rescued animals cannot yet be adopted, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is asking the public for assistance as the shelter manages one of the largest animal seizures in its history.

Officials are accepting:

• Financial donations

• Small metal food bowls

• Small plastic animal carriers

The shelter also continues normal dog and cat adoptions despite the extraordinary demands created by the rescue operation.

Once veterinary evaluations and investigative requirements are complete, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare plans to transfer many of the rescued animals to specialty rescue organizations and adoption partners throughout the region.

Sandoval said he remains optimistic that the majority of the animals will ultimately find permanent homes despite the difficult conditions they endured.

Residents interested in donating, volunteering, or supporting Oklahoma City Animal Welfare can learn more through the OKC Animal Welfare Volunteer & Donation Information.

The Oklahoma City animal rescue update highlights the enormous effort underway to care for hundreds of rescued animals while investigators continue building a potential animal cruelty case stemming from one of the largest seizures Oklahoma City has ever seen.

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