Animals in cruelty investigation recovered

The Tulsa SPCA said it was finally able to rescue several dogs that disappeared during an animal cruelty investigation, thanks to tips from 2NEWS viewers.

12 dogs that investigators said were neglected by a breeder near Sperry are now at the shelter.

Investigators believe the owner may have placed many of them with people in other counties to try and avoid animal cruelty charges.

"It's good to have them back," said Animal Cruelty Investigator Wade Farnan. He and his team have been scouring Green Country in search of the dogs since last Thursday.

Farnan said thank you to 2NEWS viewers, they found ten of the dogs on three different properties near Okmulgee and Henryetta. "After you came out here and did that story, we began to get phone calls, people deciding to tell us where the dogs are. And it just kind of mushroomed from there."

Farnan said the SPCA was originally willing to go easy on the Sperry owner if she surrendered the animals. They visited the woman's home Wednesday and documented the animals' conditions. But when they arrived the next morning, the 19 dogs were missing.

Farnan said, "We came out the next morning to pick them up and they were gone. She wouldn't tell us where they were."

Only two of the animals were there Thursday morning. They were taken by the SPCA. Farnan said now the offer they made with the woman is off the table. And he said the people who were keeping her dogs may also face charges.

While some of these dogs that were rescued on Tuesday were doing well, some of the dogs are hairless and their bones can be seen through their skin.

Seven of the 19 dogs are still unaccounted for. Farnan believes the suspect placed some of them in homes, while others most likely died.

The future of these 12 dogs is looking hopeful now that they are at the SPCA. They will receive the medical care they need and will eventually be placed in loving homes. Some of the healthier dogs will be available for viewing and adoption this weekend.

To report animal abuse or neglect, call the SPCA at 428-7722.