Oklahoma City Animal Shelter Sees An Influx Of Animals Because Of Fireworks

The fireworks sent many pets into frenzy on the Fourth of July. Dozens have ended up at the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare facility, which was already busy with a big adoption event this weekend.

The City's Animal Welfare facility had a bunch of dogs left in its lobby Saturday morning.

Some owners have come to claim their pets, but many have not, and the shelter needs help to get the dogs back home.

"It's usually pretty busy on the 4th of July, you add in the fireworks, the big bangs, the loud music, it does add up for a recipe of dogs getting out, running loose and being afraid," said Sheridan Lowery, Supervisor for the Animal Welfare Dept.

Several dogs were dumped at the shelter after hours, and all the kennels were full. It was a hectic time to be left at the animal shelter when for two weekends straight; it's packed with people in line to adopt a pet at the discounted $30.

"In the past, whenever, I've picked up a dog from the animal shelter, it has been the best animal I've ever owned," said Arthur Drouin Jr., who is looking for a female miniature dachshund for his family.

Some struck gold with finding their missing pets.

"She's just like my little child, where I go, she goes, and she's here, and I'm so happy," said Ramona Lewis, who found her lost Chihuahua, named Sparkle that she says the city picked up on accident and placed in the shelter.

But for others, the search continues.

Jaison Simon says his 1-year-old black and brown Dachshund, Basset hound mix named Ace ran away while they were watching fireworks in Yukon.

"He was on his leash and then started running away and we couldn't catch him," Simon said.

He spent all day looking in different animal shelters and put up a sign, but so far, no sign of Ace.

"Losing him now is like crazy, he means a lot to me, I raised him myself when he was a little baby so it's a lot of love that I put into him, so it kind of sucks to lose him, hope I find him," Simon said.

If you find Ace, you can call Simon at 405-473-2116.

The shelter does wait at least three days for pets with no identification to be claimed before they are up for adoption. The city is also competing in the National Rachel Ray Adoption challenge. To win $100,000, they'll need to adopt out 2,300 pets by next month.

So far, they've adopted out 1,020. The shelter is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. every day except holidays at 2811 SE 29th St.

Click here for more information if your pet is missing.