Tulsa SPCA Rescues 9 Abandoned Dogs After Heartbreaking Incident

CCTV footage captured the moment a family of dogs was dumped outside the shelter, leaving them chasing after the car as the owner sped off.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment a family of dogs, including two adults and their seven puppies, were dumped outside the Tulsa SPCA rescue center. The driver of a black pickup truck tossed the animals aside and drove away, leaving the dogs scurrying after the vehicle. Renee Russell, the chief operations officer at Tulsa SPCA, said the footage was "heartbreaking to watch." Fortunately, the shelter team immediately brought all the dogs inside to safety.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the larger issue of animal abandonment and the strain it puts on shelters across the country. Tulsa SPCA says situations like this create challenges for their resources and staff, emphasizing the need for more funding and support for animal welfare organizations.

The details

The two adult dogs have been named Doug and Darcy, and they are thought to be around 2 years old. The seven puppies, named Demi, Della, Dean, Davina, Daphne, Danny, and Dahlia, are believed to be about 10 weeks old. The dogs are settling in at the shelter, with the puppies receiving treatment for coccidia, a common intestinal parasite. The shelter staff is learning more about the dogs' personalities and behaviors as they decompress from the stressful situation.

  • The incident occurred on March 10, 2026.
  • The CCTV footage was captured outside the Tulsa SPCA campus.

The players

Tulsa SPCA

A local animal rescue organization that took in the abandoned dogs and is providing them with care and shelter.

Renee Russell

The chief operations officer at Tulsa SPCA, who described the CCTV footage as "heartbreaking to watch."

Doug and Darcy

The two adult dogs, around 2 years old, who were abandoned along with their seven puppies.

Demi, Della, Dean, Davina, Daphne, Danny, and Dahlia

The seven puppies, around 10 weeks old, who were abandoned with their parents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They are very socialized, which shows they likely received positive care in their previous home. When we gathered them in the yard, Darcy, the mom, was very nervous and protective of her babies. Doug and the puppies were very friendly. When we began taking them for exams, Doug did not want to leave his family.”

— Renee Russell, Chief Operations Officer, Tulsa SPCA

“Our focus is on making sure they are safe, comfortable, and receiving the care they need while they decompress. Situations like this can be stressful for animals, so giving them time to adjust and learn about their personalities is an important part of the process.”

— Renee Russell, Chief Operations Officer, Tulsa SPCA

What’s next

The dogs will be put up for adoption when they are healthy and ready, with the puppies needing homes that can provide basic training.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident highlights the larger issue of animal abandonment and the strain it puts on shelters like Tulsa SPCA. It emphasizes the need for more funding and resources to support animal welfare organizations and provide pet owners with alternatives before they reach a point of desperation.