In one of Oklahoma’s largest puppy mill busts in recent memory, more than 400 dogs were rescued from deplorable conditions at a longtime pet store in Stroud. The rescue operation, which took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, involved multiple agencies and animal welfare organizations. The owner of the business, Add Love Pets, is now facing serious animal cruelty charges. This story has captured statewide attention and sparked renewed conversations about animal welfare oversight in pet retail operations.
The coordinated effort, led by Stroud Police in conjunction with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, culminated in the seizure of 405 dogs from Add Love Pets, located at 1407 W Main St. Authorities reported strong ammonia odors and unsanitary conditions throughout the facility. According to Stroud Police Chief Clint Gaylord, the store’s state license had expired at the end of June, and a previous inspection in December 2024 had documented just over 100 dogs—far fewer than the number found last weekend.
Amber Ridenour, a representative from Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue, was among the first to respond. Expecting to assist with the removal of around 60 dogs, she was shocked by what she encountered. “I saw the condition of what he had set out front, which was deplorable. It was horrific,” she told reporters. Ridenour described the dogs she initially saw as matted, filthy, and clearly in distress. The situation quickly escalated, prompting her to retreat and call for additional support. Her account paints a grim picture of what rescuers faced during the operation.
As the rescue unfolded, the scale of the situation became clear. With 405 dogs removed, the case now stands as a major milestone in Oklahoma’s ongoing fight against illegal puppy mills. Jerry Hine, the owner of Add Love Pets, was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County jail. He is currently facing charges related to animal cruelty, and the case remains under investigation by both local law enforcement and state agricultural authorities.
Animal rescue groups have since stepped in to begin the lengthy process of recovery and rehabilitation. Skiatook Paws & Claws is currently caring for 35 of the rescued dogs in partnership with the Tulsa Humane Society. “We will begin relieving them of the pain that they’re in from the mats and the feces that’s on their beings,” Ridenour said. Veterinary teams are conducting thorough examinations and documenting each case to support the ongoing investigation. The remaining dogs have been distributed among other shelter and rescue organizations across the state.
What makes this situation even more troubling is the history of complaints against Add Love Pets. According to Chief Gaylord, the department had received multiple reports over the years from concerned citizens and former customers. However, legal limitations and the store’s licensing status at the time delayed enforcement actions. “We apologize that action was not taken as quickly as hoped,” Gaylord noted. “But we’re bound by state statutes, and now the pieces finally fell into place.”
For many animal welfare advocates, this case underscores the importance of vigilance and timely reporting. While it’s disheartening that so many animals had to suffer before meaningful action could be taken, the rescue operation represents a significant step forward. The collaboration between law enforcement and rescue groups highlights what can be achieved when agencies work together toward a common goal.
I found this detail striking: the most recent inspection had accounted for just over 100 dogs, yet authorities found more than four times that number during the bust. This discrepancy raises serious questions about oversight and the mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. It also illustrates how quickly conditions can deteriorate when proper checks and balances are not maintained.
The recovery process for the rescued dogs will be long and complex. Many of them are suffering from neglect, malnutrition, and untreated medical conditions. Rescue organizations are not only providing immediate care but also preparing these animals for eventual adoption into loving homes. Their work is both compassionate and critical, offering a second chance to animals that have endured considerable hardship.
This case has also reignited discussions about the regulation of pet stores and breeding operations in Oklahoma. While the legal process will determine the outcome for the store’s owner, the broader implications are already being felt. Animal welfare groups are calling for stricter licensing requirements, more frequent inspections, and greater transparency in the pet retail industry. These measures, they argue, are necessary to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, community support and awareness remain vital. The public’s role in reporting suspected abuse and supporting rescue organizations cannot be understated. Every report, every volunteer hour, and every donation contributes to the larger mission of protecting animals and holding those who harm them accountable.
For now, the focus remains on the well-being of the 405 dogs whose lives were upended by this rescue. Thanks to the tireless efforts of rescue teams, veterinarians, and law enforcement, these animals are finally receiving the care they deserve. It is a sobering reminder of the responsibility we share in safeguarding the voiceless and vulnerable among us.
