Oklahoma bill would let counties create animal control programs

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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