Lawton, OK — A routine investigation into a potential illegal marijuana grow on a rural property in Ninnekah led authorities to uncover a much more disturbing scene—one of severe animal abuse and neglect. The Grady County Sheriff’s Office, initially called in to investigate the property on County Road 1430 in October, soon discovered that the site was not involved in illegal drug production. However, what they found instead was a sprawling, four-acre property filled with neglected animals in distress.
Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess explained that when his team arrived at the scene, it became clear that the conditions were far worse than anticipated. “Our main concern then was these dogs and animals being taken care of, and it didn’t look like they were,” Boggess said. “The conditions were poor.”
The property, owned by Yer Vang and Chue Yang, was littered with shivering dogs chained outdoors, many of which had no access to food or water. Several of the animals were emaciated, with their hip bones and ribs visibly protruding. Investigators discovered that many of the dogs were tethered in harsh conditions, with little shelter or care. Additionally, a pool on the property was found to be murky and unclean, containing koi fish that appeared neglected.
As the investigation continued, authorities found numerous birds—many in deplorable cages—along with dozens of roosters and hens. The birds were identified as game fowl, which are often used in the brutal practice of cockfighting. Investigators also found paraphernalia used in cockfighting, further confirming suspicions that the property was involved in this illegal and inhumane activity.
The Grady County Sheriff’s Office worked in collaboration with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to execute a search warrant on the property. Cynthia Armstrong, the Oklahoma state director for HSUS, described the scene as “shocking” and “sad,” adding that the conditions in which the animals were kept were deeply disturbing.
“We were able to document the horrific conditions that these animals were living in,” Armstrong said. “There were hundreds of animals that were severely neglected.”
Following the warrant execution, Vang and Yang were arrested and now face 81 felony charges, including cruelty to animals, owning birds for fighting, and child neglect. The charges are expected to expand as the investigation unfolds.
The five children living on the property were removed by state authorities and are now in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the children’s exposure to the dangerous and unsanitary conditions on the property, as well as the potential for emotional and psychological harm due to the neglect.
In a small glimmer of hope amid the grim findings, authorities confirmed that many of the animals are now on the path to recovery. After being examined by veterinarians and documented as evidence, the animals will be transported to safe locations where they can be rehabilitated and, in some cases, adopted into new homes.
However, the game fowl discovered on the property present a more complicated issue. Due to the risk of spreading infectious diseases to commercial flocks, and the difficulty in finding appropriate homes for roosters used in cockfighting, many of these birds will likely be euthanized in a humane manner.
“This is a sad but necessary part of the process,” Armstrong explained. “We simply don’t have the resources to place roosters and hens from cockfighting situations into new homes.”
Vang and Yang are scheduled to appear in court in January, where they will face the full extent of the charges against them. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of animal cruelty in the region and the illegal, barbaric practice of cockfighting. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about similar activities in the area to come forward.
The Grady County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to continue working with animal welfare organizations to ensure that those responsible for this cruelty are held accountable and that the rescued animals are given the care and rehabilitation they deserve.
