More than two dozen dogs were found in an abandoned home in Midwest City. Neighbors and city officials said the home had been of concern for some time, but they were unable to enter the property until three dogs escaped Wednesday night.
“There were three dogs chasing my cat,” resident Joe Dibrer said.
The three dogs scared Dibrer’s wife, prompting her to call the police. After investigating the origin of the dogs, Dibrer made a shocking discovery.
“Tons of dogs. Big, small, all kinds of dogs and they were very aggressive. They were hungry,” Dibrer explained. He also said the dogs didn’t look like they were taken care of.
Midwest City officials said that call opened the door for them to finally enter the house.
“The property was actually unsecured and appeared abandoned,” said Midwest City communications and marketing manager Josh Ryan. He added: “Here what they found is of course an abundance of dogs, but also living in unsanitary conditions.”
Neighbors told authorities no one had lived there for a month; but they saw someone stopping to put food on the floor last week.
Animal protection officers rescued 25 dogs and puppies from the home between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
All adult female dogs are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Officials said the house was about to be overrun by puppies. The dogs were also infested with fleas and ticks.
“It’s hard for them [animal welfare officers] when they face a situation like this because they spend their whole lives caring for animals and caring for animals and trying to get them to a safer place,” said Ryan.
Ryan said they hoped the Midwest City shelter would have space.
It is unclear whether the owner will face criminal charges. They received several code violations and the house was condemned.
