Published on July 22, 2026
Following a large methamphetamine bust in June, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare removed more than 500 animals from the property, most of which were birds.
Because the birds originated from a single location, were housed in close proximity and showed signs of illness, veterinarians immediately conducted diagnostic testing. Test results confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma synoviae, a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects poultry and other bird species.
Animal Welfare staff consulted with the Office of the State Veterinarian at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to determine the appropriate response based on veterinary guidance and established disease management practices. Following those recommendations, about 250 birds that posed an ongoing disease risk were humanely euthanized with assistance from the Department of Agriculture to prevent further transmission statewide.
“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.”
OKC Animal Welfare continues placement efforts for the remaining birds in accordance with state veterinary guidance. To date, 92 birds, 41 dogs, four cats, four reptiles and one horse seized in the June investigation have been transferred to nonprofit animal welfare organizations.
Animal Welfare investigators are pursuing felony animal cruelty charges based on conditions observed at the property and the condition of the animals at the time they were taken into custody. The investigation remains active.
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