OKC Animal Welfare combats animal cruelty one case at a time

Each year, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare receives thousands of calls for animal cruelty. So far, in 2019, the department has received just over 2,000. Combating animal cruelty is vital in its goal of making Oklahoma City a humane city for all animals.

There are many types of animal cruelty cases. Some less severe than others. Officers investigate complaints, from dogs having no shelter to felony level neglect cases.

Education is a big part of animal cruelty investigations. In many cases the owner is just unaware of what is needed or required by city ordinance to take care of an animal. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has developed programs like a pet food bank and free dog houses to help owners be more responsible. These programs have allowed officers to educate owners and provide assistance to keep the pets in the home when it is appropriate to do so.

Unfortunately, officers also have to respond to extreme cases of neglect and abuse, and in some cases, even sexual abuse of animals. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has two cruelty investigators, who typically handle more severe cases. These officers have to be well-trained in both city ordinance and state statute, as well as crime scene investigation. In many cases these crime scenes can be dangerous due to the overwhelming unsanitary conditions the animals are in. Animal welfare works closely with the Oklahoma City Police Department and prosecutors to ensure these cases are prosecuted and the owners or responsible person is held accountable.

Stopping animal cruelty has to be a community effort. If you see something, say something. There is a real link between human and animal well-being. Where animals are treated well, people are treated well. There is also an economic impact, as people and businesses want to live and work in humane communities. Together, we can all make Oklahoma City a humane place for both people and animals.

To report animal cruelty, please contact Oklahoma City Animal Welfare dispatch at 297-2255. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to help Oklahoma City be a more humane community, please go to www.okc.gov, or visit the shelter at 2811 SE 29.

Adopt. Volunteer. Donate.

Jonathan Gary is Oklahoma City Animal Welfare superintendent.