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CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION, REJECTION, AMENDMENT AND/OR POSTPONEMENT OF RESOLUTION R-2021-129: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $95,774 FROM THE GENERAL FUND BALANCE FOR PAYMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THE CARE OF EXOTIC ANIMALS SEIZED BY THE NORMAN ANIMAL WELFARE DIVISION.
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BACKGROUND: On April 29, 2021, a Norman Animal Welfare Officer observed at 5500 East Rock Creek Road, an acreage known to have a number of animals, both domestic and exotic; the horses appeared to be malnourished and eating bark off of trees. On April 30, 2021, the Norman Police Department (NPD) and Norman Animal Welfare (NAW) obtained a search warrant for the property at 5500 East Rock Creek Road, Norman, Oklahoma.
Three Hundred Fifty Six (356) animals were found on the property. See attachment A. Most of these animals were deprived of food, water, shelter, and veterinary care; two (2) animals had died and a number of animals required emergency veterinary care.
In addition to NPD and NAW, law enforcement personnel from other agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma State Wildlife Department and EMSA, assisted with seizing all of the animals.
Emergency boarding and veterinary care was provided to all of the animals.
NAW personnel spent a number of days locating rescue centers and community volunteers to care for the animals. A number animals were placed at the NAW shelter. Boarding, veterinary and other expenses were incurred to house and care for the animals.
DISCUSSION: On May 7, 2021, the City filed a bond application with the Cleveland County District Court asking the District Court to determine all reasonable and anticipated costs incurred by the City. A hearing was set for May 11, 2021, and continued until May 24, 2021. On May 7, 2021, the owners of the animals relinquished ownership to the City of Norman.
Prior to May 24, 2021, the NAW staff worked w...
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