Oklahoma ranks in the top 10 states for shelter euthanasia. Lawmakers and animal welfare advocates say outdated state laws prevent many rural counties from operating animal shelters, making it harder to manage stray dogs and cats. House Bill 3902, sponsored by Rep. Ellyn Hefner and Rep. Mike Kelley, would update the law to give communities the option to address this growing crisis.

For animal lovers across Oklahoma, this is painful to see.

Shelters are overwhelmed. Rescue groups are stretched thin. Cats and dogs are being born faster than they can be spayed, neutered, adopted, or safely cared for. Many animals suffer or are euthanized not because people don’t care, but because communities are legally blocked from taking early, humane action.

HB 3902 offers a compassionate, common-sense solution.

The bill does not mandate shelters or force counties into new programs. It simply gives local communities—especially rural ones—the authority to decide how they want to manage stray animals. That could include partnerships with rescues, support for spay and neuter efforts, or other humane approaches that prevent suffering before it starts.

Animal overpopulation leads to more animals hit by cars, more disease, and more heartbreaking decisions for families and volunteers who want to help but lack resources. Prevention saves lives—and it’s far kinder than crisis response.

We are urging the Oklahoma House Agriculture Committee and the full Oklahoma Legislature to pass HB 3902 and remove outdated barriers that are making this problem worse.

If you love animals, this is a chance to support a practical step that can reduce suffering and save lives across Oklahoma.

Sign this petition to support HB 3902 and give communities the tools they need to protect cats and dogs.