Many Question How Man With Violent Record Could Adopt Dog

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After a man allegedly almost killed his dog by hitting him with an ice cream truck, some have raised questions why a man with a history of violence was allowed to adopt an animal from a city shelter.

John Patrick Marcus, the man accused of hitting his own dog with an ice cream truck last week in Oklahoma City, was wanted at the time by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office for numerous outstanding warrants.

Marcus' criminal history includes charges for domestic abuse - assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to pay and multiple traffic violations. Marcus was picked up by Oklahoma City police last weekend after creating a disturbance at a downtown business.

"At most city shelters, anyone can come down and adopt and animal," said Norman Animal Shelter Supervisor John Bowman. "We don't do background checks."

Marcus reportedly adopted the dog he hit from the city of Norman's animal shelter. Bowman said there's only one requirement for a person who wants to adopt an animal at his shelter.

"They fill out an agreement or a contract that says the pet must be treated and cared," said Bowman.

It's a similar situation at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. An employee said while they do pull up the name of a potential animal adopter, it's not a criminal check. Instead, employees check a database of names to make sure the person doesn't have a history of neglecting animals.

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society conducts an open-ended survey with people who want to take home an animal. A spokeswoman said it's easy for potential adopters to lie on an application, so workers ask questions that will help them to determine which kind of animal is most suitable for the person's home.

The only time adopters are turned away by the Central Oklahoma Humane Society is if the animal is going to be chained up for more than 24 hours, if the adopter intends to keep a cat outside full-time, or if the person is on drugs or alcohol.

As for Landry, the dog who Marcus is accused of hitting with a truck, a family in Norman said Landry is their dog, Henry, who ran away in July. The Killmans said they were shocked to find out their dog, Henry, had almost been killed but was rescued by a good Samaritan. The Killmans said they're thankful that Jana Lane was there to rescue their dog after being run-down by Marcus.

The Killmans said if Lane wants to keep Henry, they know he's in a good home. Lane, who now calls the dog "Landry" after the Sooners' quarterback, said she's become very attached to him.

Oklahoma City police are investigating this case.

More on News9.com: Man Accused of Trying to Kill Family Pet With Ice Cream Truck