Alva Review-Courier -

An Alva man is facing a felony charge of cruelty to animals. This crime is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Curtez Dantrel Tonian Zachary, 24, of Alva, was charged with cruelty to animals on Jan. 2 in Woods County District Court.

According to court records, on Dec. 28 about 10 a.m. Alva Police Officer Timothy Clapp was dispatched to 816 Choctaw St. in Alva for a welfare check. When he arrived he was contacted by Joe Billy Melton who said his mother owns the residence and the one located just west. He said the person living next door had not seen anyone at the residence for approximately two weeks and had seen the resident’s two dogs jumping in and out of the house through an open window. Melton identified the occupant of the house as Zachary.

After knocking and announcing himself multiple times, Clapp was able to gain access through an unlocked door. He did not find any person or dog inside. As he looked through the residence, he saw animal feces everywhere. He saw a metal dog cage that was bent and twisted as though an animal was desperate to get out. In the back bedroom there were bite marks on the window seals and on the door knob as though an animal was trying to get out.

Clapp saw no food or water available for the dogs. He observed the couch had bite marks and pieces missing as though the dogs had started to eat it. He confirmed this by seeing pieces of the couch in the feces.

Melton said they tried to contact Zachary multiple times and were unsuccessful. Clapp called Alva’s animal control officer and was told Zachary’s two dogs were picked up on Dec. 22 and were very skinny and hungry.

At about 12:45 p.m. Zachary called dispatch wanting to talk to Clapp. When Clapp called him, Zachary said he was in Lawton visiting family. Clapp explained he had been called to do a welfare check since no one had seen him for a while. He described what he had seen in the residence and told him the dogs were at the dog pound.

According to the affidavit, Zachary said he left Alva on Dec. 14 and had a friend take care of the dogs. Clapp said the dogs did not appear like they were taken care of. Zachary said the damage in the back bedroom happened before he left town.

A short time later, Clapp called Zachary to get his friend’s information so he could talk to him. Zachary said he wanted to be truthful. He said he was only supposed to be gone over the weekend and had a friend check on the dogs while he was gone. He said he decided to stay later and learned the dogs escaped the residence so he decided to stay until the first of the new year and get the dogs when he returned to town. Clapp told him charges might be filed for animal cruelty.

A warrant has been issued for Zachary’s arrest.