Delaware County Judge Orders Animals Returned To Family Accused Of Cruelty

Area animal groups say they're outraged by a Delaware County judge's decision to return dozens of animals to a family facing animal cruelty charges.

Volunteers say their hearts were heavy as they surrendered the dozens of dogs they had rescued.

"We were in disbelief, we are still shocked," said Dana Gray with the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals.

Three months ago, Gray and several other volunteers joined the Delaware County Sheriff's Office on an animal cruelty case. Together, they seized more than 40 animals - dogs, cats, chickens - from a family living near Jay.

Authorities say it was one of the worst animal abuse cases they've seen.

Gray said, "I think deplorable is probably a good word. No signs of food, the only water I saw was green and full of algae."

Gray said many of the dogs were severely malnourished and had mange; some never made it off the property.

"Three were euthanized on-site because they were in severe pain and distress," Gray said.

The sheriff's office arrested Chris and Claire White on dozens of animal cruelty complaints.

They've since bonded out of jail, and now a Delaware County judge ordered the couple's animals returned to them.

It prompted the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals to start an online petition begging the district attorney to appeal the judge's decision.

"It was just really sad,” Gray said. “The physical condition of the animals was disconcerting."

The Whites said they will not comment on the case because it's ongoing. They did say they're grateful to have their dogs back and insist they're well cared for.

Delaware County Judge Alicia Littlefield's office told News On 6 she had no comment.

The petition has more than 4,000 signatures.