Neighbors concerned over animal shelter conditions in Lexington

UPDATE 02/07/2024

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that they are re-opening their investigation into the Lexington Animal Shelter.

ORIGINAL STORY

LEXINGTON, Okla. ( KFOR ) — There are ongoing concerns over the conditions of the animal shelter in Lexington.

The city said the police department oversees the shelter. When News 4 tried to get answers three times on Tuesday, we were told the Chief wasn’t in the office and he’s the only person who can give an update.

“I just can’t believe the public isn’t allowed in there. It’s so unsafe for the public, you know, and cleaning volunteers,” said Andrea Clark a Lexington Animal Shelter Advocate.

These were the conditions at the Lexington Animal Shelter last year.

“Oh, it’s horrible. Yeah. There are animals in their feces and urine on the wire floor, which is bad for their paws. And we saw an animal that had a terrible rash around its behind from sitting in its waste for a long time,” said Clark.

After growing complaints, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office started an investigation back in August.

They said when they got to the shelter, it met the most basic needs of care. Detectives also confirmed that Lexington employees used guns to kill animals after the 72 hour waiting period, which they said isn’t against Oklahoma law.

Their statement also said:

Once shot, the dogs’ bodies were disposed of in a city dumpster. While this procedure may comply with statute, it prompts substantial moral concerns….we have urged Chief Johnson to maintain oversight over the situation.

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office

Now, neighbors hope changes will be made.

“To get a new shelter as soon as possible, to fix up the old shelter until they can get a new shelter. Make it humane for the animals and more transparency and accountability from the city,” said Clark.

News 4 went to City Hall and the Lexington Police Department multiple times for answers, but were told everyone was out of the office and no one else could talk.

The shelter shares the same land as the sewer plant.

The full statement from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office is below.

In late August 2023, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the treatment of animals at a shelter operated by the Lexington Police Department. Allegations against the shelter included accusations of inadequate care, substandard housing conditions, and instances of abuse. Citizen’s concerns were particularly focused on the treatment of dogs beyond the mandated 72-hour holding period. While the initial allegations centered on mistreatment and negligence, the day CCSO detectives arrived, the shelter was found to meet the most basic standards of care. However, while CCSO was able to confirm that Lexington utilized firearms to euthanize animals once the 72-hour hold period had elapsed, their methods were in compliance with Oklahoma state law. Once shot, the dogs’ bodies were disposed of in a city dumpster. While this procedure may comply with statute, it prompts substantial moral concerns. While CCSO can acknowledge the city’s legal authority, we, as an agency, cannot endorse such practices, especially given the available resources our investigators suggested that could facilitate more humane outcomes for these animals. We have urged the Chief Johnson to maintain oversight over the situation. CCSO would be glad to initiate a new investigation if additional concerns come to light.

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office

Residents might get some answers tonight. There’s an agenda item at the City Council meeting that is supposed to give an update on the shelter. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

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