A man is facing a felony charge of Cruelty to Animals following a disturbing incident reported Monday near the Okmulgee County Courthouse that drew immediate public attention and outrage.

According to district court records and information provided by the Okmulgee Police Department, Avion Lee Williamson, 23, was arrested Monday after officers responded to complaints involving the treatment of a dog outside the courthouse. Witnesses reported seeing the man carrying and restraining the animal in a manner they believed placed the dog in danger.

Williamson, who was detained in an alley in downtown after another complaint, was taken into custody by Okmulgee Police on a county warrant from another jurisdiction. After officers investigated the circumstances surrounding the animal, additional charges were requested and filed for animal cruelty, police confirmed.

Court documents filed in Okmulgee County District Court list the complaint as Cruelty to Animals, a felony offense under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 §1685, which makes it illegal to willfully or maliciously torture, injure, maim or cruelly treat an animal.

In addition to state law, the reported conduct may also violate Okmulgee City Code §6.08.050 (Cruelty to Animals) and §6.08.070 (Restraint of Animals), which require animals to be handled humanely and restrained by a person capable of maintaining proper control.

The incident occurred in a highly visible area near the courthouse and was witnessed by multiple members of the public. Photos and descriptions quickly circulated on social media, prompting calls for immediate action and requests to identify the individual involved.

“This is outside the Okmulgee Courthouse,” one social media post read. “This man needs to be arrested for animal cruelty.”

Other posts expressed shock and anger over the treatment of the animal and urged authorities to intervene. The rapid spread of the images led to numerous calls and messages to law enforcement.

An Okmulgee Police Department representative confirmed that officers responded promptly and took action.

“We initially arrested him on his county warrant,” the OPD representative said. “After that, we requested that animal cruelty charges be brought against him as well.”

Police confirmed the animal was first taken to the local animal shelter for evaluation and safety. Shortly afterward, the dog was released into the care of a Tulsa- based rescue organization.

The dog, identified as Noah, is now safe and recovering under the care of Oklahoma Pet Collective Society (OPCS), a nonprofit animal rescue organization based in Tulsa. Representatives confirmed the animal was transferred to their custody following the incident.

The latest information provided stated that the veterinarian discovered both of Noah’s back legs were broken and possibly filled with bone infection. “He has a hard time walking and appears to be in pain (he is currently on pain meds.)” “X-rays revealed that both of Noah’s back legs are broken. The imaging also showed some concerning “fuzzy” areas around the bones that could indicate possible bone infections in both legs. Because of this, Noah will be going back to the vet on Tuesday to be sedated so they can aspirate the fluid from his knees and test it for infection.

Please send this sweet boy all your good thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes that there is no infection in his bones. That would significantly complicate his road to recovery, and we are really hoping for the best.

Noah is safe, loved, and surrounded by people who will fight for him every step of the way.

Thank you for standing with him.” – Oklahoma Pet Collective Society (OCPS) Updates about Noah can be found on social media page on Facebook.

Community members have since rallied to support Noah’s recovery, sharing donation links and encouraging others to help with veterinary care, food and rehabilitation expenses.

Those wishing to assist can donate directly through OPCS at www.okpetcollective.org/donate. html.

Court records show Williamson’s bond was set at $1,500 on the animal cruelty complaint. He is scheduled to return to Okmulgee County District Court on Dec. 23 for further proceedings.

The case remains under review as it moves through the district court system.

The incident has sparked strong reactions across the community, with many residents voicing appreciation for the swift response by law enforcement and concern for the welfare of animals.

Social media posts repeatedly thanked the Okmulgee Police Department for pursuing charges and ensuring the animal’s safety, while others emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable under state and local animal protection laws.

As the case proceeds, officials remind residents to report suspected animal abuse immediately so authorities can intervene and ensure the safety of animals involved.