Tulsa taking steps to save animal lives

Three organizations have teamed up to create the Coalition for Tulsa Pets, an effort to increase the live release rate of and service for animals at Tulsa Animal Welfare.

Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW), Humane Society of Tulsa (HST) and the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tulsa SPCA) provide sheltering, adoption, protection and enforcement, spay/neuter and other veterinarian services, transport, keeping pets in homes, community outreach and education.

“The creation of this coalition is a big step for Tulsa as three of the largest animal welfare organizations in our city are coming together to solve a community issue regarding our local pet population,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “We recognize that bringing the experts together will help us better serve the needs in the community and create positive change.”

This move comes after Bynum’s announcement to help the City of Tulsa’s Animal Welfare with an eight-step plan that includes goals like increasing staffing, extending shelter hours and improving operational efficiency.

The 2017 intake number for TAW was 8,819 dogs and cats, with a live release rate for dogs and cats at 65 percent.

The Community Plan hopes to up the rate above 90 percent. It includes:

(1) Public Access to Free/ Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Services

(2) Community Cat Program

(3) Pets for Life Community Diversion and Education Program

(4) Increasing Community Pet Adoptions

(5) Increasing Out of State Transport for Adoptable Pets

 “We are seeking private funding but hope the community will support our work as well.   We expect to begin implementation in 2019,” Tulsa Animal Welfare Director Jean Letcher said.

“Collaboration between key welfare groups and public/private partnership is the proven formula in creating humane communities for animals.   The WaterShed Animal Fund is pleased to see this promising coalition come to fruition and is proud to help fund their efforts for Tulsa animals,” said Christy Counts, President of WaterShed Animal Fund.

The Coalition’s first event will be a Free Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, December 8 at the Hicks Community Center, 3443 South Mingo Road, 74146 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Veterinarians and staff will provide free rabies, DA2PPV, and FVRCP vaccines, $5 microchips, $2 identification tags, and free collars to Tulsan’s dogs or cats.  

Organizers said the goal is to vaccinate 500 dogs/cats.  The event is first come, first serve and will continue as long as supplies last.

Donations are appreciated and can be given to any of the Coalition Partners, with a note for “Coalition for Tulsa Pets.”