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OKC Animal Welfare has an update on animals rescued from a house in southeast Oklahoma City that was raided by police on June 26, revealing an animal hoarding situation that encompassed over 500 animals.
RELATED: 523 animals rescued in SE Oklahoma City meth bust, animal welfare overwhelmed
Of the 523 animals, there were about 470 ducks, chickens, pigeons, and peacocks gathered from the property. There were also 49 dogs, an unspecified number of cats, one horse, and reptiles.
Per OKC Animal Welfare, the birds showed signs of illness, so they were immediately subjected to diagnostic tests. A large number of the birds were found to have Mycoplasma synovaie, a high contagious avian disease.
In consultation with the Office of the State Veterinarian at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, OKC Animal Welfare humanely euthanized "about 250 birds."
"Whenever Animal Welfare responds to a large-scale avian confiscation, protecting the health of the entire bird population becomes a critical part of our response," said Animal Welfare Superintendent Johny Sandoval. "These decisions are never easy, but they were made in consultation with state animal health officials and are grounded in established veterinary practices designed to protect both the animals in our care and other bird populations from the spread of infectious disease."
The remaining birds will be placed with welfare groups or shelters in accordance with state veterinary guidance.
In the time since the methamphetamine bust, the OKC Animal Welfare has transferred 92 birds, 41 dogs, four cats, four reptiles and one horse to nonprofit animal welfare organizations.
RELATED: OKC Animal Welfare pursuing cruelty charges after rescuing 500+ animals
Investigators are pursuing felony animal cruelty charges against the individuals from the house that was raided.
The investigation is ongoing.
