OKLAHOMA CITY – In an update Wednesday to what is likely the largest seizure of animals in OKC history, officials said that the animals did, in fact, show signs of poor health, abuse, or neglect, and confirmed that charges of animal cruelty would be added to the suspects’ drug trafficking charges.
That announcement corrects officials’ earlier claims that the rescued animals appeared to be relatively healthy.
“We initially reported that the animals were in fairly good health,” OKC Animal Welfare Superintendent Johny Sandoval said in a statement released to press Wednesday morning. “As the seizure progressed, it became clear that many of the animals had health concerns. Staff is doing everything possible for the best outcome for these animals.”
Meth bust leads to 500 animals rescued
Oklahoma City police discovered the animals housed in various structures throughout a southeast OKC property near SE 15th St and S High Ave while serving a search warrant for drugs late on the night of June 25th, as reported by Free Press:
That search also resulted in the seizure of at least 30 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of four individuals, including 40-year-old Luis Gayton and 37-year-old Ail Lopez, both of whom have been listed as residents of the property.
At that time, OKC’s Director of Development Services, Brock Rowe, told reporters that there was no immediate suspicion of cockfighting or abuse, but that the animals were being kept as part of an ongoing investigation and that Animal Welfare staff would continue evaluating their health.
Investigators now believe there are clear grounds to seek animal cruelty charges against the arrested individuals.
Final count and next steps
Even as City officials were briefing the media and the public about the animal seizure, the animals themselves were still being counted, with differing estimates given in the 300, 400, and 500-animal ranges.
The final count appears to be firmly over 500, with Wednesday’s update confirming 42 dogs, 4 cats, 4 reptiles, 1 horse, and “more than 450 various bird species.”
The animals are expected to eventually up for adoption locally or transferred to partner organizations for care, but they cannot be moved while still part of an investigation, meaning that OKC’s Animal Welfare Facility is currently experiencing an unprecedented strain.
Community members are being asked to adopt or foster any of the shelter’s many available pets (especially dogs) if they’re able, and donations and volunteers are also needed to help care for the unexpected influx of animals alongside the already near-capacity number of other animals in the shelter.
Animal Welfare staff are especially asking for donations of small metal bowls and plastic animal carriers.
Volunteers can sign up HERE and must be at least 13 years old and able to pass a background check.
For more, visit okc.gov/animalwelfare.
Brett Fieldcamp is the owner and Editor in Chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly two decades and served as Arts & Entertainment Editor before purchasing the company from founder Brett Dickerson in 2026.
He is also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
