Outside investigator looking into Owasso animal shelter policies after claims of abuse

An attorney is investigating allegations of abuse happening at the Owasso animal shelter. The City of Owasso has hired an outside lawyer after many people started voicing concerns about the shelter's policies.

Some residents concerned about the city's animal shelter policy

The current policy is for stray animals to be held for three business days, then available for either adoption, rescue or euthanasia. Critics of the shelter say the city is not doing enough to help animals find a home before euthanizing them.

"It's time for this to be different," said Kim Dorrough, a resident. "Owasso is better than this. This should not be status quo."

Dorrough and other residents have attended city meetings and logged online to voice frustrations over the policy.

The City says it takes the concerns seriously

"At some point, the stories have to stop or they have to be dealt with," said Chris Garrett, Owasso city manager. "Can't just keep bringing stories out and no one investigates it."

Garrett says the concerns from citizens have been taken seriously. He says the move to hire the outside attorney is intentional so the investigation will be unbiased.

The investigator is an attorney not affiliated with the city

The City of Owasso hired Julie Henson of Baysinger Henson Reimer & Cresswell PLLC to do the investigation.

"She is local, she is an animal lover," said Garrett. "I believe she will give us an absolutely unbiased approach."

Garrett says Henson is the right person because she has experience conducting investigations like this one.

Findings of the investigation will be presented to the city

Garrett says Henson has been meeting with people who made claims about abuse happening in the animal shelter. The investigation started last week.

The results of the investigation will be presented to the Owasso City Council and then made available to the public.

Concerned citizens hope the investigation leads to change.

"When the results of the investigation come out, whomever or whatever entities are pointed to, we have to be willing to make the changes," said Dorrough.