Spring has arrived in Oklahoma, bringing with it severe weather and tornado season.
The city of Tulsa recently passed a new animal ordinance that requires animal owners to provide shelter for outdoor pets or bring them indoors under certain weather conditions.
Sherry Carrier with Tulsa Animal Welfare is here to talk more about the ordinance and what animal owners need to know as we head into spring and summer.
click here To learn more about Tulsa Animal Welfare.
Why was this ordinance enacted?
“We wanted to update the standards of humane care and give communities the opportunity to care for their animals, educate them, and right what they don't realize is wrong. I want to make sure you know.”
What are some things pet owners do wrong?
“Yes, animals need a clean and hygienic environment. Animals need to be able to exercise and run around freely depending on their size. They need to have access to food and fresh water, rather than being chained together. We've all seen small animals chained together in large chains. They can't move around freely. They You don't have access to water or food. When it gets hot, you need to provide a shade structure. And you need to know to bring your animals when there's a heat warning or tornado warning. .”
How does TAW seek to intervene if a property owner is not complying with the ordinance?
“So if we get information about a resident who needs assistance, or if we get a call about an animal that someone is concerned about, we will dispatch an animal control officer. And then we will escalate it to an investigator.” If necessary, we will send an investigator to that address.”
