Council hears report on abatement and animal seizures at 1908 Northwest Sixth Circle

The Lawton City Council received reports about the abatement of property at 1908 Northwest Sixth Circle and related animal-welfare concerns during its meeting.

Neighborhood Services staff said the property had been subject to repeated complaints and two written notices. "We issued notice on 03/06/2024 and again on 09/18/2024," John, Neighborhood Services staff, told the council, adding that after the second notice there was no corrective action and staff initiated abatement in March 2025. He said the city code gives staff authority to abate repeated accumulations without further notice and that property owners have 10 days to correct violations after a notice: "So after they do receive the the letter, they have 10 days to to clean up the issue." City staff said they re-inspected the property after the abatement and the site returned clear; staff said they will begin paperwork to invoice the owner for cost recovery.

Animal-control staff described what officers found on site and actions taken. "In response to that, I directed our animal control officers to investigate the situation," Cliff, Animal Control, said. He told the council officers found domesticated and wild animals, photographed the scene and consulted the city prosecutor before pursuing an abatement order. He said the state game warden removed exotic wildlife and animal shelter staff took custody of several domestic birds: "The state game warden took into custody the exotic animals," Cliff said, and staff removed six roosters, two geese, two raccoons, two owls and one Canadian goose from the property.

Neighbors and community members who spoke described the conditions and urged a balanced response. Heather Kimball, who identified herself as a longtime family friend of the man who cared for animals at the address, said the photographs include roadkill and animals brought in for rehabilitation: "Those dead animals weren't due to him neglecting them," she said. Kimball also said the man was unpaid for his work: "He doesn't get paid for what he does." A second speaker, Gary Arnold, urged the council to consider mental-health and community supports for the resident and said the publicity had been painful for the individual: "Mister Breeden was obviously depressed and overwhelmed," Arnold said.

Council members and staff discussed enforcement timing, neighborhood health risks and licensing. Staff told the council the first notice remains effective for one year, door-knocker attempts had been made by an earlier code officer in 2024, and the property generated multiple complaints. Councilmembers emphasized public-health concerns, including rodents and debris that can affect neighboring yards. One councilmember asked staff why the property did not receive earlier action; staff explained prior contact and that communications had lapsed between the owner and a former code officer.

Staff recommended the council support the enforcement action and approve cost-recovery measures against the property owner. There was no formal council vote recorded on a separate abatement motion during the report; council members expressed general support for code enforcement actions and for follow-up with the property owner. City staff said they will proceed with invoicing and paperwork to recover abatement costs.

Ending: The council's discussion closed with staff confirming the abatement was completed and a reinspection showed the property clear; staff will move forward with billing for the cleanup. Councilmembers and community speakers urged attention to neighborhood health, appropriate licensing for wildlife rehabilitation, and possible support for residents who need assistance.