Should Oklahoma Punish Illegal Dog Dumpers More?

After Memorial Day, my family went from a family of three to five when I found two emaciated pups in my neighborhood.

After a few days, another rescue contacted me, letting me know they had another puppy that seemed to be from the same litter, found in the same area a few days before I found mine.

It breaks our hearts seeing pups in this condition, many of us would give anything for the person responsible to be held accountable. But, say that we tracked this person down, what repurcussions would he face? According to Justia US Law:

"Any person who deposits any live dog, cat, or other domestic animal along any private or public roadway, or in any other private or public place with the intention of abandoning the domestic animal upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

2023 Oklahoma Statutes Title 21. Crimes and Punishments §21-1691

In Oklahoma, misdemeanor offenses can mean jail time, but only up to a year of incarceration and possibly a fine of up to $500. Although punishments are supposed to "harsher" for repeat offenders, should there be a harsh enough punishment to prevent there even being a first? After all, if irresponsible pet owners do it once, chances are high that they will again.

Sadly, dumping animals is common issue for Oklahoma towns. Negligent pet owners don't spay or neuter their animals. Whether on purpose or accidentally, another litter of pups arrive to someone unable to find them homes responsibly. The sad part is, many admit the main reason they have not had their animals fixed is that "they just haven't gotten to it."

Others say that they cannot afford the cost of altering their animal. However, the average cost of fixing an animal ranges from $10 to $700, depending on the clinic and the animal. Compare that cost to the $500 fine and loss of income from the length of incarceration someone faces by dumping their animals. Nevermind the fees in numerous towns and cities for keeping an unaltered pet.

Still, no "possible punishment" has slowed down the dumping issue in Oklahoma. If anything, it has grown over recent years. Only a handful of cases end with the person dumping actually facing the consequences. Most of the time, it's the animal paying the price.

Shelters and rescues can only do so much, being limited on space in most places in Oklahoma. With limited foster families and long wait periods for already sheltered animals to get adopted, it leaves very little options for animals that are dumped. Not all of them get the same chances that my pups, Ginny and Dobby, or their sibling, Fox, get.

It's up to other community members to keep your eyes peeled for people dumping and reporting to authorities. If you're able to take in an animal, even temporarily, you're helping more than the original owners and more than you know.

Tell us, would harsher punishments for dumping animals help solve this issue? Tell us your thoughts on the app.

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