Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Man 28 Counts Of Animal Cruelty

In a press release Thursday Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office said they arrested a local man on more than 20 felony counts of animal cruelty. 

Tuesday CCSDO Detectives responded to a concerned citizen’s report about multiple dogs unattended at a Newalla property. Detectives arrived and observed alarming conditions from the roadway, including several emaciated dogs and a dead dog lying between two travel trailers. 

 After obtaining a search warrant, detectives returned Wednesday to assess the situation. They observed multiple dogs without access to fresh water. Although there were small amounts of dry dog food scattered on the ground, most were contaminated with dirt and feces. Additional dogs were found locked inside dilapidated travel trailers with no water and limited ventilation. 

After the initial survey of the scene, Norman Animal Welfare along with other area animal welfare organizations were called to assist. All living animals were removed from the property, inventoried, and assessed by a veterinarian. Most of the dogs were in poor condition, with some being sick and others infested with fleas.

Detectives located and interviewed 63-year-old Russell Lee Lambert who owned the property. Lambert admitted to owning the digs and leaving them on the property after he moved away. Lambert was charged with 28 counts of Cruelty to Animals, one count of Leaving a Carcass within a 1/4 mile of an Occupied Dwelling, and Operating Facility without a Permit.

In total 26 animals were rescued and placed into the custody of the humane society or the Oklahoma Animal Alliance.