Oklahoma
Tulsa Health Department shares raw milk risks as Oklahoma bills advance
Raw milk is back in the spotlight at the Oklahoma Capitol as lawmakers consider a proposal that would expand where unpasteurized milk can be sold directly to consumers, even as public health officials warn about the potential risks.
Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized to remove harmful bacteria, is currently legal to buy directly from farms in Oklahoma. A bill by state Rep. David Hardin would expand where it can be sold through direct sales, after passing the House Agriculture Committee on a 4-2 vote and moving to the next step.
Hardin said the proposal is aimed at consumer choice. “This is strictly, if you want to buy unpasteurized milk, this will allow you to do that. There is no tracking. I’m doing the very best I can to keep the government out of our business,” Hardin said in a phone interview.
Health officials, however, say consumers should understand the risks. The Tulsa Health Department said raw milk can contain bacteria that are eliminated through pasteurization.
“Raw milk can carry bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The largest risk that we see is associated with pregnant women. It’s very important to only consume pasteurized dairy products and to only give little ones pasteurized dairy products as well,” said Madison Brillhart, an epidemiologist with the Tulsa Health Department.
Mary McGonigle-Martin of the nonprofit Stop Foodborne Illness said her son became critically ill as a toddler during a confirmed raw-milk outbreak in 2006, an experience she said changed her family’s perspective and led her to advocate for food safety.
“It was a near-death experience that toxin kills people — especially children. My son really is a miracle that he lived,” McGonigle-Martin said.
She said some families may hear about claimed health benefits without fully understanding the potential dangers. “Parents hear it’s healthier, the benefits are overemphasized, and the risks are not,” she said.
Supporters of expanded access argue the decision should be left to consumers. Kirt Thacker, a farm owner in Enola, said, “I think the consumer should have the choice. I drink raw milk, and I want that choice.”
Raw milk is still not currently sold in Oklahoma grocery stores, and any expansion under the bill would apply to direct sales from producers. The bill now heads to the House Oversight Committee before it can advance further.
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Resources at Oklahoma City’s Animal Welfare are stretched thin after taking in more than 500 animals in an emergency rescue. Police arrested four people and saved the animals on Thursday in a methamphetamine bust at a home near southeast 15th and High Avenue.
FIRST REPORTED: Four arrested after 30 pounds of meth, hundreds of animals seized from Oklahoma City home
Oklahoma City’s Development Services Director Brock Rowe answered questions about the largest animal seizure in the city’s history.
How many animals were rescued and what species were found?
Animal control officers rescued 523 animals. There were about 470 ducks, chickens, pigeons, and peacocks gathered from the property. Officers took 49 dogs, an unspecified number of cats, one horse, and reptiles.
What is the latest on the animals’ health and condition?
The animals were “taken care of pretty good” and did not appear to be severely abused of malnourished. The situation is believed to be animal hoarding, meaning there were simply too many animals on the property. Staff worked overnight to ensure the animals have food, clean water, bedding and proper car.
What resources is the shelter using to care for so many animals?
The shelter is using temporary crates, kennels, and indoor spaces to accommodate the overflow, especially for birds, while larger animals like the horse are kept outside. Animal welfare officials are reaching out to local partners and organizations that specialize in livestock and birds to help house and care for some of the animals. The shelter is running a “name your price” adoption event to quickly move existing animals out and free up space.
Are the animals considered evidence, and when could they become available for adoption or transfer?
The animals are currently on hold as evidence, and adoption or transfer will only happen after the legal process determines when they can be released.
What is the status of the criminal investigation, and are additional charges expected?
Police arrested four men on drug trafficking complaints during the warrant search. No word if the men will face charges for the animals.
Texas A&M baseball made a massive splash in the transfer portal Friday morning with the pickup of a premier left-hander from a Southeastern Conference foe.
Oklahoma southpaw Trent Collier is returning to his home state to play for the Aggies in 2027, according to reports from TexAgs’ Richard Zane. Collier pitched for the national-championship-winning Sooners this past season, posting a 3.80 ERA through 23.2 innings pitched and striking out 28 hitters. He was called upon for two appearances in Oklahoma’s postseason run to the national title, allowing no hits with two strikeouts against Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
Collier will come to Bryan-College Station to pitch for the Fightin’ Texas Aggies as a junior for head coach Michael Earley in 2027.
Rebuilding a depleted pitching staff was one of the top priorities for Earley this offseason, after posting a 5.24 team ERA in 2026. Collier is the sixth pitcher to commit to the Aggies out of the transfer portal and the ninth overall addition.
The lefty from Prosper, Texas, began his college career at Weatherford Junior College before landing with the Sooners. He made eight appearances, including nine starts, and earned second-team all-conference for recording a 2.65 ERA and 85 strikeouts across 68.0 innings.
After the program parted ways with Jason Kelly, following the regional final loss to USC in College Station, new pitching coach Barry Enright has reeled in some of the top-rated pitchers in the country this offseason, including Collier. The former Sooners star will have the opportunity to develop under Enright, who had stints in the MLB with the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
Four people are in custody after Oklahoma City police seized approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine and removed dozens of animals from a home in southeast Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Police executed what they confirmed was a drug-related search warrant at a home near Southeast 15th Street and High Avenue. Authorities have not released information about what led investigators to the residence.
Drug Investigation Leads to Large Seizure
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers recovered approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine from the home during the search.
Police said at least four people were taken into custody. Authorities have not released the identities of those arrested or any related charges.
Numerous Animals Removed From Property
Alongside the drug investigation, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare officers assisted in removing numerous animals from the property.
News 9 cameras captured at least 20 dogs being taken from the home, including one wearing a muzzle. Police said a horse, cats, chickens and snakes were also removed.
Neighbors watched as officers spent hours at the residence.
“This is crazy. Like this is literally crazy,” said Nisha who lives nearby.
Another resident said she saw several people in handcuffs but did not initially know what was happening.
“I saw a couple men in handcuffs. I had no idea what was going on until my neighbor,” Dora Garcia said.
Neighbors say they were aware the home had dogs but were shocked by everything else discovered.
“I knew they had dogs. Everybody over here knew they had dogs, but the rest of this is just mind-boggling,” Nisha said.
She also expressed concern about how close the investigation was to her homes.
“Too close for comfort. Way too close for comfort,” Nisha said.
Investigation Continues
Police said the search warrant was related to a drug investigation but have not released additional details about why officers targeted the home.
The investigation remains ongoing. Oklahoma City police said additional information about those in custody is expected to be released as it becomes available.
This is a developing story.
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