A Vian man is facing a felony charge of cruelty to animals after allegedly chaining up four dogs and failing to provide them with food or water, which allegedly resulted in their death.

Steve D. Harrison, 64, was charged on Dec. 2, 2025, in Sequoyah County District Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest the same day. Associate District Judge Kyle Waters has set Harrison’s bond at $10,000.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in the case, Vian Police received a call from an individual who reported Harrison had left his dogs on the individual’s property.

The caller told authorities that Harrison stopped showing up to take care of the dogs about four months ago, which reportedly led up to the dogs’ deaths.

The caller said he took one of the deceased dogs to the back of the property after it started to decay and smell. The caller also claimed they had spoken to Harrison about the dogs on multiple occasions to resolve the issue.

Officer Micah Harvey reported finding four deceased and decaying dogs at the location. Harvey said all the dogs were wearing collars and heavy-duty chains, and appeared to be malnourished, according to the affidavit.

Upon further investigation, Harvey reported finding canned dog food still in its packaging untouched, at the location.

The officer reportedly spoke with Harrison, who claimed he didn’t forget about the dogs, but “there was just a lot going on and he didn’t go back to the property.” He also told Harvey that the dogs were strays, and he’d taken them in over a span of four to five years.

When Harrison was told the property owners wanted the deceased dogs removed from the property, Harrison refrom portedly agreed to “take care of it.”

District Attorney Jack Thorp said the crime is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.