Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to 66-year-old Roy Wright’s residence with a warrant on him for operating the 26 dog rescue with an expired rescue license.
“We also had neighbors of his complain about his dogs getting loose,” said Deputy Sheriff and Tulsa County Animal Control Officer David Long. “I do not believe though, that he was fighting his dogs.”
The deputy saw one of Wright’s dog’s had a bite on him that looked like it was inflicted by another dog.
“One of my pit bulls in the front yard got into the back yard and bit my other pit bull,” said Wright. “I was cleaning the wound when the deputies knocked on my door. That’s when they accused me of the very thing that I am against, dog fighting.”
Wright said he has been caring for the dogs for just over a year but it became too hard when the females started to have litters and he did now renew his expired rescue license back in June of 2012. Wright never had his residence inspected for proper rescue living standards, like double gated doors for the cages to ensure no dog fighting.
“I loved my dogs like they were my own children.”
The dog that was injured had to be euthanized. Five of the dogs Wright is claiming are his. The county allows a resident to keep up to five dogs. Those five are staying with the Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter until the judge decides on the charges.
The other 20 dogs have been given to other rescues; some had health problems and might have to be put down, that’s according to the Sheriff’s Office. Wright has been accused of one count of animal cruelty and one count of obstructing an officer.
Wright will face a judge on January 30th.
(fox23 - Jan 24, 2013)
