Hundreds of animals seized in drug bust surrendered
By Olivia Hickey
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — More than 500 animals, including over 450 birds, were seized during a drug bust in southwest Oklahoma City last week and surrendered to Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, clearing the way for their adoption.
For the first time, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has released videos showing the animals, which were taken in after the meth bust on June 25 and June 26.
Johny Sandoval, animal welfare superintendent for the city of Oklahoma City, said the animals’ health concerns became apparent as the seizure progressed.
“As the seizure progressed throughout the night on June 25 into June 26, we did identify that a lot of the animals did have some health concerns,” Sandoval said.
In addition to drug charges, the owners of the home could face animal cruelty charges.
“Our animal welfare investigators are pursuing cruelty charges with the district attorney’s office,” Sandoval said.
Officials have not disclosed specifics about the animals’ conditions but said every available space inside the shelter is now being used to care for them.
“We had to convert all of our existing space that we would typically use for horses and large livestock to house the birds,” Sandoval said.
The one horse seized during the bust is receiving care at another facility.
With hundreds of animals still needing care and the investigation ongoing, transferring the animals to other facilities and finding them new homes will take time.
Animal Welfare officials said the best way to help is by donating or adopting an animal to create space during their “Name Your Price” adoption event, which runs through Friday.
The Oklahoma City Police Department said the investigation is ongoing, and the district attorney’s office has not yet commented.
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