TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — There are over 300 animal shelters and animal welfare organizations across Oklahoma, all working to care for thousands of homeless, abandoned, and rescued animals. But as stray animal populations continue to grow especially in rural areas lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at giving counties more control.

House Bill 3902 would allow all Oklahoma counties to create animal control programs and regulate dogs running at large. Current law limits that authority to counties with populations over 200,000.

If passed, the bill would take effect November 1, 2026.

Supporters of HB 3902 say Oklahoma’s stray animal problem is particularly severe outside city limits, where many counties lack animal control officers or shelters.

The bill was introduced in response to growing concerns about animal overpopulation, worsened by post-pandemic increases in unspayed and unneutered pets. Lawmakers behind the measure say removing population restrictions would allow counties to tailor solutions to their own communities.

Animal welfare groups, including the Humane Society of Tulsa, say the change is long overdue.

“We are such a rural state that I don’t think people realize how many stray animals, dumped animals happen outside of city jurisdictions,” said Lawrence DePriest, Director of Operations for the Humane Society of Tulsa.

DePriest says the Humane Society of Tulsa receives 10 to 12 calls every day from people reporting stray or at-large animals many from outside city limits.

However, as a private organization, the Humane Society does not take in stray animals, because it lacks the legal authority and resources to process stray holds. Instead, it relies on municipal shelters to handle those cases.

“If all my kennel space is full, I don’t have the luxury of bringing in another animal, even though we want to help,” DePriest said.

In a News Channel 8 poll, viewers were asked whether Oklahoma should require animal control programs statewide or leave the decision up to local governments.

Responses were mixed with many saying animal control should be statewide only if state funding is provided.

HB 3902 remains under legislative review as lawmakers continue discussions on how best to address Oklahoma’s stray animal crisis.

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Expand Energy Corporation has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from OKlahoma City to Houston, Texas, later this year.

The move comes a week after the Devon Energy Corporation announced its plan to move to Houston last week as part of a merger with Coterra Energy. In late 2025, part of the Expand Energy corporate campus in northwest Oklahoma City was acquired by Oklahoma City-based real estate firm Robinson Park for a future redevelopment project.

Devon Energy and Coterra Energy say the all-stock merger will strengthen their Delaware Basin footprint and drive long-term per-share growth.

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February 2, 2026 08:12 AM

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Expand Energy Corporation, formerly known as Chesapeake Energy, says the relocation will primarily focus on the executive leadership team and will strengthen the company’s relationships with “key industry and commercial partners.”

The company says Oklahoma City will remain a center of Expand’s business and operations, with the company saying it “remains committed to supporting its Oklahoma City employees and the local community.”

In addition to the relocation, Expand says it has also announced leadership changes, effective immediately. Michael Wichterich, Chairman of the Board, has been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Domenic J. Dell’Osso, Jr. According to EEC, Dell’Osso stepped down as a director of the Board and will serve as an external advisor for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.

Expand says its board of directors has commenced a search for a permanent CEO with the assistance of an independent recruitment firm.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Nick for his leadership and many contributions since first joining the company in 2008,” Wichterich said. “During his tenure as CEO, the Company has grown from a $5 billion business to a $26 billion investment-grade enterprise included in the S&P 500 Index. We are grateful for his leadership in setting a strong foundation for our future.”

Oklahoma State was fined $50,000 following an investigation into inappropriate chants that referenced Mormons during a men’s basketball game against BYU last week, the Big 12 Conference announced Sunday.

After Oklahoma State defeated BYU 99-92, BYU head coach Kevin Young claimed he heard “F— the Mormons” chants coming from the student section.

“In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game,” the statement said.

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“The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”

Oklahoma State said it will not appeal the fine in a statement.

“The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations,” the university said in a statement. “Oklahoma State respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine.”

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It was at least the fourth time in a year that BYU teams have been the target of anti-Mormon chants. The Big 12 fined Colorado $50,000 in September after football fans directed expletives and religious slurs at Mormons during a game against the Cougars in Boulder.

Similar incidents occurred at an Arizona men’s basketball game last season and a Cincinnati football game in November. Neither school was fined.

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BYU athletic director Brian Santiago said they are trying to eliminate the derogatory chants.

“What we’re trying to do is eliminate the behavior from happening and the apologies that come afterward,” Santiago said Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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