Animals euthanized after investigators find Owasso house overun with dogs and cats

Wednesday, October 25th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

More than one hundred dogs and cats have been euthanized after investigators found a residence near the 5800 block of north Mingo Road in Owasso, overrun with nearly 300 animals. 91 dogs and 35 cats were put to death for medical reasons ranging from starvation to respiratory, and other diseases.

Animal control officers and the Society for the Prevention of Crulety to Animals took more than 70 dogs Tuesday from the home of Hazel Pitcock. Pitcock is the manager of Hope for the Animals, an agency that rescues animals scheduled for euthanasia at local shelters.

An Owasso veterinarian says Pitcock and her partner, Hope Harder, found homes for hundreds of animals and paid thousands of dollars for their medical care. "They've done a lot of wonderful things in treating these animals,â€ said Dr. Chris Kelley. â€œBut I think once it got about that Hope Harder would take these animals and pay for their treatment, they got abused a little bit. I think people brought her animals, and they couldn't say no.â€

Authorities are investigating the case and will decide if animal cruelty charges will be filed. The S-P-C-A is sheltering the remaining animals, which will be up for adoption when the investigation is completed.