Tulsa Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tulsa announced Tuesday that two women arrested in connection with a local animal‑cruelty investigation now face increased charges after authorities uncovered dozens of dogs living in squalid conditions at two separate residences.
Charges upgraded after district attorney review
Deputy Director Colton Jones explained that the original charges filed when Marcia Reynolds and Sasha Smith were taken into custody were reviewed with the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and consolidated into a single count of animal cruelty for each defendant, covering all living and deceased animals.
Reynolds, 44, is accused of 44 counts of animal cruelty linked to the property on South Memorial Drive. Smith, who runs Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance Dog Rescue, faces 44 counts as well, including 15 additional counts tied to animals found at a second location.
Investigation timeline
The probe began on November 4 at a home near 12th Street and South Memorial Drive. Officers and animal‑welfare personnel reported a strong odor of death, heavy insect activity, trash, feces and urine throughout the house, and animals confined in stacked metal crates. Investigators rescued 24 live dogs and approximately 19 deceased dogs from that residence.
A follow‑up search on November 5 led to a second home near East 16th Street and South Garnett Road, where 14 dogs and one cat were found in similar neglectful conditions—crates surrounded by dried waste, with no food or water available. The animals were removed for evaluation, and Smith was arrested on November 7.
Surviving dogs receive intensive care
The Humane Society of Tulsa initially took in 36 dogs from the two sites. One dog, known locally as Victor, died about 30 hours after arrival. Gina Gardner, president of the Humane Society, said the remaining 35 dogs are now under a strict re‑feeding plan because they have been starved for so long that their bodies cannot process food and water normally.
“We have 27 of the 35 dogs on a strict re‑feeding plan,” Gardner explained. “They’ve been starved for so long that their bodies don’t know how to process food and water.” The organization is closely monitoring each animal’s intake to prevent complications during recovery.
Veterinary staff are treating infections, open wounds, anemia, calcium deficiencies, and heartworm disease—eleven dogs have tested positive for heartworms. Gardner reported the team is performing about 131 treatments daily, including special feed, medication and fluid therapy. “Most of the dogs have hydrated enough to be off fluid therapy,” she said.
Future placement and ongoing investigation
According to Sherri Carrier, manager of Tulsa Animal Services, all rescued animals have been surrendered to the agency. They are not yet available for adoption or transfer while they continue to recover. Carrier said the agency and the Humane Society will collaborate to determine when each dog is healthy enough for new families or partner organizations.
Investigators are still working to trace the origins of the animals. Some appear to have come from community members, while others may have been sourced from rescue groups across Oklahoma. Tulsa Animal Services is also seeking information from HVAC contractors and dumpster‑rental companies that serviced the South Memorial Drive property.
Anyone with tips can contact Deputy Director Colton Jones at 918‑596‑8002, Senior Animal Control Investigator Pete Theriot at 918‑596‑8088, or email [email protected]. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and urged residents to rely on updates from Tulsa Police, Tulsa Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tulsa.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
