OSU to Get Some of Metro's Euthanized Animals for Education

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A new ordinance in Oklahoma City means some of the area’s euthanized animals will head to Oklahoma State University to help veterinary education.

OSU requested permission from Oklahoma City to transfer cadavers from the city animal shelter to the school’s teaching hospital. Council members passed the measure Tuesday morning.

The cadavers will be used in the school’s surgery curriculum. Matthew Stone is a fourth year veterinary student at OSU and said the hands on experience he’s received makes him confident about graduation.

The program’s director Charles MacAllister said it’s a crucial component of the education.

“We bring the cadavers in and treat them just like we would a live animal under general anesthesia. When our students graduate, they are prepared to go into a clinic and perform simple surgeries that will help save lives,” MacAllister said.

Until now, the animals euthanized in Oklahoma City would be buried. The partnership will send at least 250 of the euthanized animals to go towards student education. It’s a small portion compared to the 17,000 the city had to put down in the last year.

Shelter employees say they hate to put any animal down, but it’s necessary due to control and space issues.

“The key ultimately for us would be less animals coming in and that’s done by spaying and neutering, but until the community acts on that, we don’t have a choice,” said Jon Gary, who works at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.

The shelter is in need of more foster parents. Learn more about how you can help the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.

The ordinance prohibits the resale of cadavers and the city will not generate any costs or revenue from the partnership. It is possible more veterinary schools will participate in the future.