Over 400 dogs rescued from Stroud pet store; Owner faces animal cruelty charges

A longtime pet store in Stroud is shut down, and its owner is facing criminal charges after authorities and rescue groups removed more than 400 dogs from the business on Sunday.

Stroud Police say it’s one of the largest puppy mill busts Oklahoma has seen in years — and advocates believe the neglect had been going on for far too long.

What Rescuers Found Inside

Amber Ridenour with Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue says she responded over the weekend to what she believed would be a standard removal of 60 dogs. But when she arrived at Add Love Pets, located at 1407 W Main St in Stroud, the conditions were far worse than expected.

“I saw the condition of what he had set out front, which was deplorable. It was horrific,” Ridenour said.

“The situation and confrontation with him escalated quickly, and it was apparent to me that the only decision that was viable at that moment was to leave everything and retreat.”

She says the dogs she was allowed to see were matted, filthy, and clearly suffering. Based on the size of the building and the number of dogs claimed to be inside, she feared the animals in the back were in even worse condition.

405 Dogs Seized, Owner Arrested

By Sunday, a coordinated effort between Stroud Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, and several rescue groups led to the seizure of 405 dogs from the property.

Stroud Police Chief Clint Gaylord confirms that Jerry Hine, the owner of Add Love Pets, was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County jail. He is facing animal cruelty charges.

Gaylord says officers encountered strong ammonia odors and poor living conditions. The facility’s state license had expired on June 30, and the most recent inspection in December 2024 had only documented just over 100 dogs — far fewer than what was found this week.

Rescue Groups Begin Recovery Efforts

Skiatook Paws & Claws is now caring for 35 of the rescued dogs, in coordination with the Tulsa Humane Society.

“We will begin relieving them of the pain that they’re in from the mats and the feces that’s on their beings,” Ridenour said.

“Our vet is doing thorough exams, and we’re also documenting everything for the investigation.”

The rest of the animals are being housed by other partner organizations across the state.

Years of Complaints, Delayed Action

Advocates say Add Love Pets had been reported multiple times over the years by concerned citizens and former customers. Chief Gaylord confirmed his department had received previous complaints but said legal limitations and licensing status prevented earlier enforcement.

“Thank you for reporting it when you did,” Gaylord said. “We apologize that action was not taken as quickly as hoped, but we’re bound by state statutes, and now the pieces finally fell into place.”

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains under investigation by local law enforcement and state agricultural authorities.

News On 6 has also reached out to the Tulsa Humane Society, the Lincoln County District Attorney, and Add Love Pets for comment, but has not heard back as of publication.