A second rescue owner has been arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after malnourished and dead animals were found at properties linked to a local dog rescue operation. The arrest, on Saturday, November 7, follows an investigation that began on Wednesday, November 4.
Tulsa Animal Services requested police help after smelling a strong odour of decomposition from a rented home connected to Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance Animal Rescue, near 12th Street and Memorial Drive. Inside, officers found 19 dead animals alongside 22 severely malnourished dogs and two cats confined in stacked metal crates.
The investigation widens
Police initially arrested 40-year-old Marcia Reynolds on 29 counts of animal cruelty after she admitted living at the rental house. On Thursday, November 5, investigators executed a second search warrant at a related home in the 12300 block of East 16th Street, removing 14 more dogs and one cat.
On Saturday, November 7, Tulsa police arrested 39-year-old Sasha Smith, identified as another co-owner of the rescue organisation. Smith gave up ownership of the 15 animals removed from her home and was charged with 39 counts of animal abuse and neglect.
A rescue that failed its animals
The case has shocked animal lovers in Oklahoma, where rescue organisations are usually the safety net for abandoned animals. The Humane Society of Tulsa and Tulsa Animal Services are now caring for the surviving animals, many of which need urgent veterinary treatment.
The investigation is continuing, and police have not ruled out further arrests. For the dogs and cats that survived, the hope is that a real rescue — this time, a proper one — will find them the homes they were promised.
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