Chained Dogs in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Need Your Help!

Update (April 28, 2025): We have good news to report: we understand that some or all dogs have been removed from this property. Please rest assured that PETA’s caseworkers will continue to follow up for complete answers.

Update (April 24, 2025): We understand that the city has possibly been sending a form reply stating that they will enforce all laws. However, to our current knowledge, the dog in the pen still apparently lacks the legally required 200 square feet, with a chain directly around her neck; her “shelter” appears to only consist of an airline carrier in which she was seemingly forced to overwinter and which can in no way contain body heat, and the underweight (possibly ill) black dog should receive veterinary attention to address any health issues.

Original post:

This is the plight of several dogs at a residence in Ardmore, Oklahoma, reportedly chained-up 24/7. A collar-less brown dog is apparently imprisoned within a trash-strewn kennel with a chain fastened tightly around her neck. She has only a vented carrier as “shelter” which would be nearly worthless in winter or during rainstorms. We’re told that a black dog appears ill, lethargic and possibly underweight; he may require veterinary care. Reportedly, their waste is allowed to accumulate heavily in their living areas, and their water buckets are often empty or filthy.

Oklahoma state law (§ 1685) requires that animals be provided with “veterinary care to prevent suffering.” Ardmore City code prohibits unsupervised tethering and states that outdoor dogs must be provided 200 square feet of living space each. The code also requires that shelter be a sound structure “which … protects each animal … from precipitation … [and] … adverse effects of extreme heat or cold.” Also, according to code, shelters must be “6 inches longer than the animal, nose to tail, and 6 inches taller than the head of the animal while standing …”

PETA can’t get straight answers from Ardmore as to whether these dogs have been checked on recently or whether any of the apparently multiple violations have been addressed. Now it’s your turn!