Tulsa police and Tulsa Animal Services responded to complaints of a foul odor near 12th Street and Memorial Drive on Wednesday afternoon. Upon arrival, officers reported a “strong odor of death” and heavy fly activity at the Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance Rescue property.
While the Tulsa Fire Department prepared to breach the front door, 44‑year‑old Marcia Reynolds opened it herself, saying she could not hear commands because she was wearing headphones. A protective sweep and a subsequent search warrant revealed deplorable, biohazardous conditions throughout the home.
Animals found
Authorities discovered 24 live animals – 22 dogs and two cats – living in filth inside stacked metal crates, as well as approximately 19 deceased dogs also stored in crates. The interior was covered in trash, animal feces, and urine. Unopened bags of dog food and pet supplies were found in two storage units, indicating that supplies were available but not used.
Reynolds, who admitted she lived at the property full‑time, blamed the summer heat and a lack of air conditioning for the deaths but made no effort to report the situation. She was arrested on scene and booked on 29 counts of animal cruelty with a total bond of $580,000. The investigation remains active as officials review records and evidence seized from the site.
Community response
In the wake of the discovery, Tulsa Animal Services closed its shelter for the day to stabilize operations and care for the newly rescued animals. The Humane Society of Tulsa stepped in to provide immediate assistance, arranging for the surviving dogs and cats to be transferred to a secure facility where staff will oversee their care.
Donations are being accepted to cover essential supplies such as dry and wet dog food, paper towels, puppy pads, blankets, and enrichment items. The Humane Society of Tulsa directs contributors to its donation page at tulsapets.org/donate.
Local rescue groups speak out
Spacar Animal Advocates of Oklahoma, which previously supported Mercy Sakes, announced it will no longer do so, describing the conditions as “messy, rough, not how we would do it.” Lab Rescue of Oklahoma called the case “devastating and infuriating,” urging the public to research rescue organizations before adopting, fostering, or donating. The group emphasized that a rescue’s name alone does not guarantee proper care and encouraged volunteers and donors to ask tough questions about transparency and animal welfare.
Tulsa SPCA highlighted the importance of capacity for care, noting that each surviving dog deserves individualized attention to heal physically and emotionally. The organization called for continued community support and transparency from all animal‑care nonprofits.
Next steps
Police and animal‑welfare officials will continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the deaths and will pursue additional charges as appropriate. The community’s swift response underscores Tulsa’s commitment to protecting vulnerable animals and holding negligent operators accountable.
Original reporting: Broken Arrow Sentinel — read the source article.
