Oklahoma, with its vast plains and rich Native American history, also grapples with the issue of stray dogs in the state. This is especially prevalent in major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. But what are your legal obligations if you find a stray dog in Oklahoma, and how long does it take for a stray dog to legally become yours in this state?
How Long Before a Stray Dog Is Legally Yours in Oklahoma
If you come across a stray dog in Oklahoma, you must report it to the Sheriff or animal control within 7 days. Additionally, you are required to make reasonable efforts to reunite the dog with its owner. However, if the owner does not claim the dog within 2 weeks, the dog becomes adoptable and potentially legally yours.
Identifying the Dog and Reporting
The first step when finding a stray dog is to check for any form of identification, such as tags or a microchip. It is crucial to make reasonable efforts to find the owner and report the found dog to local animal control authorities or the sheriff’s office within 7 days. Failure to do so can be considered theft.
Reasonable efforts may include posting on local lost and found pet websites, community social media groups, and putting up flyers. Technically, you are allowed to keep the dog until a sheriff or animal control officer requests its surrender. They may then take it to the shelter or allow you to foster the dog during the waiting period.
If the owner cannot be determined, Oklahoma law requires the sheriff to publish a description of the animal in a local newspaper for two consecutive weekly issues. If no one comes forward as the owner after this publication period, you may adopt out the dog.
Local Ordinances Come Into Play
It’s important to note that animal control in Oklahoma is primarily managed at the county level. All counties with a population of 200,000 or more have the authority to regulate dogs running at large and can impound and dispose of dogs as provided by law, which may include adoption or humane euthanasia. Familiarizing yourself with local ordinances is crucial to ensure you follow the proper procedures and avoid potential legal issues.
Stray Dogs Across Oklahoma
Stray Dogs in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma, has its own regulations regarding stray dogs. As per the city’s ordinances, any impounded animal must be confined in the City Animal Shelter unless specified otherwise. This means you are not legally allowed to impound a stray dog yourself in Oklahoma City. Instead, you must surrender the dog to the city animal shelter. These local regulations differ from the laws at the state level, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing yourself with them.
The minimum impoundment period for untagged dogs is three full working days, excluding the day of arrival, holidays, and closure days. For tagged dogs, the minimum impoundment period extends to five full working days. These time frames determine the window available for reclaiming a lost pet and the period after which a stray dog becomes eligible for adoption or other outcomes.
If you find a stray dog in Oklahoma City, report it to the City Animal Shelter. This ensures the dog receives proper care and management in accordance with the city’s regulations.
Stray Dogs in Tulsa
Tulsa, the second-largest city in Oklahoma, has specific guidelines for managing stray dogs. The Tulsa Animal Welfare Center plays a central role in the impoundment and disposition of stray dogs. The time frame for reclaiming a dog depends on whether it is licensed and the owner is identifiable.
When impounding a stray dog, efforts must be made to notify the owner within 48 hours, including attempting telephone contact and sending a certified letter. An owner of a licensed animal with a known owner can reclaim it within five days from impoundment, or three days from the notice of impoundment, whichever is longer. If the owner is unknown, the animal is held for three days and then becomes the property of the City of Tulsa. They may euthanize or dispose of dogs not reclaimed within the set time limits through adoption, transfer to organizations, or other methods.
For residents of Tulsa, promptly addressing the situation when encountering a stray dog is crucial. Whether you want to reclaim a lost pet, consider adopting a stray, or simply ensure the animal’s well-being, understanding these local ordinances is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
When it comes to keeping a stray dog in Oklahoma, it’s important to be aware of your legal responsibilities. By reporting and making reasonable efforts to find the owner, you can potentially provide a loving home for a stray dog. Remember to familiarize yourself with local ordinances, as they play a significant role in how stray dogs are managed in different cities throughout the state.
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