By John Dobberstein, Editor
(Warning: Some of the images in this story are graphic and may be disturbing to some people.)
TULSA — A number of animal rescue organizations are expressing anger and outrage after news of a felony animal abuse case came to light Wednesday.
The Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Animal Services discovered dozens of endangered and deceased dogs at Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance Rescue Wednesday afternoon after getting complaints about a foul odor coming from the property.
Tulsa police and Animal Services personnel arrived at the location near 12th Street and Memorial Drive and noted a “strong odor of death” near the front door and windows, and heavy fly activity.
As the Tulsa Fire Department was preparing to breach the front door, 44-year-old Marcia Reynolds opened it and said she could not hear commands because she was wearing headphones.
“A protective sweep and subsequent search warrant revealed deplorable, biohazardous living conditions throughout the home,” TPD said Thursday. Officers found 24 live animals and 19 deceased dogs stacked inside metal crates.
Reynolds was arrested on scene, and animal welfare teams successfully collected all live and dead animals. Police said the interior was covered in trash, animal feces and urine. Metal crates were stacked throughout the rooms, containing 22 dogs and two cats living in filth, alongside approximately 19 deceased dogs.
Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking details, officials said, was unopened bags of dog food and pet supplies appearing to be readily available and well-stocked, including supplies inside two storage units.
TPD said Reynolds admitted she lived there full-time and blamed the summer heat and a lack of air conditioning for the deaths, though she made no attempt to report them.
Reynolds was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on 29 counts of animal cruelty with a total bond of $580,000. The investigation remains active as authorities review records and evidence seized from the scene.
Early Thursday, Tulsa Animal Services reported having to close for the today to respond to the case so the team could stabilize the situation at their shelter and maintain care for the new animals.
The Humane Society of Tulsa also stepped in to help the animals at the facility from the cruelty investigation. “With their help, the animals from this investigation will be taken to a secure facility and a member of our staff will be on-site to assist with their care,” TAS said.
The Humane Society of Tulsa said it can use all the monetary donations that are available, which can be made at https://www.tulsapets.org/donate.
DRY AND WET DIAMOND FOOD: The emaciated dogs will require carefully managed refeeding plans with frequent feedings throughout the day.
PAPER TOWELS AND PUPPY PADS: With this many dogs requiring care, these essential supplies will be used rapidly.
BLANKETS & ENRICHMENT: Each surviving dog deserves the opportunity to heal, recover, and receive the individualized care they need.
Officials with the organization Tulsa SPCA said they understand how deeply people want to help with animals. “With that commitment comes the responsibility to ensure every animal receives the care and attention they need. That is why capacity for care matters: having the staff, time, space, and resources to support each animal’s physical and emotional well-being, every day.
“Transparency is part of that responsibility,” Tulsa SPCA added. “Our community gives because they care, and donors deserve to know how their support is being used. Every organization, including ours, should welcome questions about its finances and the care it provides.”
“Our hearts are with the animals and everyone working to help them heal. Rescue to improve an animal’s life, not just its address.”
SPACAR Animal Advocates of Oklahoma said they initially did support Mercy Sakes but no longer do after what happened, reiterating what was witnessed Wednesday wasn’t the same rescue it supported support years ago.
“When they formed, we remained hopeful for growth, opportunity and positive impact for the dogs of north Tulsa. The mission and vision seemed GOOD. Messy, rough, not how we would do it, but happening,” SPACAR said in a Facebook post.
“Our team is shocked, horrified, and disgusted at what the last 24 hours has revealed. We never ever in a million years would have guessed one of our own, people we supported early on, could do this. Starving them is despicable. We would have helped twenty times over had we been asked. We were never asked.”
Do Your Homework
Lab Rescue of Oklahoma, a rescue organization that has been in business for more than 2 decades, said the case is devastating and “infuriating.”
“These were dogs who were supposed to be rescued. They were supposed to be safe. They were supposed to have someone looking out for them, making sure they had food, water, medical care, compassion, and a chance at a better life,” Lab Rescue said in a Facebook post.
“Instead, their lives were lost while in the care of an organization that was supposed to be protecting them. These animals deserved so much better.”
Lab Rescue also emphasized that just because an organization calls itself a rescue automatically make it a good or safe one. Before adopting from, fostering for, volunteering with, donating to, or surrendering an animal to an organization, “please do your homework,” the organization said.
“Ask questions. Research their history and reputation. Find out where animals are housed, how medical care is provided, how many animals they take in, and how concerns are handled.
“Don’t be afraid to ask uncomfortable questions. Transparency should never be a problem for an organization doing things right. “And if you’re involved with a rescue and witness neglect, unsafe conditions, or animals not receiving appropriate care, don’t turn a blind eye because you don’t want to cause problems.”
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