Oklahoma County deputies rescue dog trapped in cage with no food, water for days
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Tuesday, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office rescued three pets abandoned by their owners.
In one case, deputies were performing a routine eviction, but when they opened the door, those deputies found a traumatic situation.
The tenant was already gone, but left their dog locked in a cage with no food or water for at least four days.
"This poor dog was truly, truly suffering. This dog was on the cusp of death," said Aaron Brilbeck, public information officer, Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office.
Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated case; deputies say they're seeing this way too often.
"We see this almost on a weekly basis where we go to do an eviction, we show up and a dog has been left behind or multiple dogs or cats or other pets," said Brilbeck.
Just last week, 55 pigeons and two dogs were rescued from a home.
"It's difficult to try to take care of those animals, and it winds up resting on the shoulders of the taxpayers because of somebody else's irresponsibility," said Brilbeck.
Brilbeck says leaving a pet behind like this is considered a misdemeanor offense.
"Many of us wish that it was a felony, quite honestly, but we do work with the animal welfare, and they will be pursuing charges. We know who the individual is, who owns the animal," said Brilbeck.
He says there is no excuse for these situations.
"Don't just leave your dog locked up in a cage to fend for itself in a tiny three-foot by three-foot cage. It's cruel, it's a horrible way for that animal to die," said Brilbeck.
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare says there are many ways to humanely surrender your pet.
"You need to reach out to all the available resources, including social media sites, websites, rescue groups, family friends, anything like that,t and use the shelter as a last resort. We will find a way to help you if there are no other options for an animal," said Ronnie Schlabs, superintendent, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.
Since January, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has received over 100 calls for abandoned pets.