Independent review finds no criminal wrongdoing in Owasso animal-control operations; recommends clearer euthanasia rules and more shelter resources

Julie Henson, an independent investigator retained by the city, told the Owasso City Council on Sept. 9 that her preliminary review produced "no evidence of any illegal activity, or legal wrongdoing" by either the city or its animal control officers.

Henson presented the results after reviewing documentation, social‑media commentary, email exchanges and interviews with shelter and rescue representatives. She said the investigation identified compliance gaps and weaknesses in ordinance language, recordkeeping and shelter procedures that she recommended the city fix to increase transparency and protect staff.

Henson said the city already has adopted some policy changes since the investigation began. "There has been a goal to reduce the euthanasia rate within our shelter," she said, and staff have started posting adoptable animals on the city website. "I do think stronger rules, stronger oversight, [and] transparency is needed to really to protect the ACOs as well as build community trust," she told the council.

Her written recommendations, summarized to councilors, included: a formal euthanasia policy with written criteria and supervisory sign‑off; full kennel use before nonmedical euthanasia and mandatory documentation for each decision; a reviewed and active rescue‑partner list (Henson said more than 60 partners exist but many are not active); designated rescue liaisons and communication protocols; standardized digital records and internal audits; a complaint intake system separate from social media with timely responses; and dedicated staff or funding for shelter social‑media outreach.

Henson also urged a veterinary‑care budget line and more funding for daily care if the shelter holds animals longer to increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia. She said some rescue organizations have provided veterinary assistance informally, but "we don't have a mechanism to take [an injured animal] to a local veterinary facility to have it looked at and make an independent medical diagnosis," she told the council.

Council discussion focused on whether fixes should come through ordinance changes or internal policy. Henson said ordinances "are to guide the public" and that internal policies can be more flexible for department practice, though she recommended both be reviewed where public expectations are involved.

City staff told councilors they have moved existing budget funds to cover additional veterinary and daily care needs for now and plan to include a specific veterinary line item in next year's budget. Staff also said the shelter is now posting adoptable animals on the city website and opening comments there so community pages and rescue groups can share listings.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting. Several councilors thanked animal‑control officers in the room and encouraged continuing the implemented changes and the investigator's recommendations.

The investigator emphasized the inquiry’s scope was legal wrongdoing; she said she did not find criminal conduct but recommended the ordinance clarifications, written procedures and improved rescue coordination to build trust and reduce euthanasia rates.

Looking ahead, Henson suggested the city should track rescue outreach, maintain a checklist of contacts when seeking placement for animals and publish rescue partnership status publicly so the community can see steps taken before euthanasia decisions are made.