✨ Spread love and cheer this holiday season! ✨

Give the gift of hope to the animals at the SPCA! Honor a special person or pet with a Light of Love, and we’ll send a heartfelt card and a crocheted ornament on your behalf. These lights will illuminate our Adoptions Lobby with love, symbolizing the compassion in our community. Your contribution helps animals find a second chance at a happy, healthy life. Act fast, sales end on December 12!

Single light: $25 | String of 12 snowflake lights: $200

To order your lights, visit this page or call Caitlin at 716-875-7360, ext. 230.

Let’s light up animal lives together!

SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY NEARING CRISIS SITUATION: HIGH NUMBER OF ANIMAL CRUELTY RESCUES AND LOW ADOPTIONS MAY FORCE SPCA TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE ANIMAL ADMISSIONS

SPCA animal cruelty investigators say they are on track with the rising number of animal cruelty arrests this year as compared to last year’s exorbitant increase. October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021, there were 13 animal cruelty arrests amidst hundreds of animal cruelty cases, nearly double the year prior, and this year’s numbers remain high. October 1, 2022, to July 17, 2023, there have already been seven animal cruelty arrests by the SPCA in Erie County. This year is different, however, in that more of these cases are felony cases. That means the circumstances are more severe and more complicated, with animals requiring much more care and attention with longer lengths of stay.

Types of cruelty cases include beating, abandonment, animals left outdoors in extreme heat without water or shelter, and animals living in unsanitary conditions.

The SPCA is seeing an increase in the number of cruelty cases due to the following situations: cost of living increases, uncared for mental health conditions, increases in substance abuse, and post-COVID-19 conditions including the expiration of the eviction moratorium and the return to in-person work. In addition, access to spay/neuter surgeries was extremely limited during the pandemic resulting in a severe overpopulation of dogs.

Reports of an increase in animal cruelty are not just coming from the United States. A January 2023 article from the World Animal Foundation states that in the United Kingdom, the rate of abuse of just dogs has risen by 16% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that, worldwide, animal cruelty complaints have increased by 55% in the past 10 years.

Care and housing for these animals most in-need and at-risk must be prioritized by our organization in terms of space, veterinary care, and resources. This, combined with adoptable dogs and cats who have been with the SPCA a prolonged period of time, means that kennels and cages are filled and the SPCA is close to reaching maximum capacity. We must continue animal cruelty investigations and rescues while continuing to provide the best care possible to the animals awaiting adoption, especially the longer-stay residents who require more time and attention to keep them mentally and emotionally stable despite extended stays in kennels and cages.

As we provide care for animals most in-need and at-risk, we may be forced to close animal admissions for an extended time. We can, however, still offer assistance to those seeking ways to keep their pets or provide community resources to those looking to surrender pets, to those who require veterinary care, and more.

How you can help with these emergency needs:

• Community members are asked to adopt and take advantage of the SPCA’s trial adoption program (If the Fur Fits) and current adoption special (half-off animals 1 year and older). See who’s available for adoption here!

• Community members are asked to participate in an upcoming Speed Dating adoption event on July 20 and July 21 from noon to 8 p.m. at the SPCA. Adoption fees will be waived for animals 1 year and older! Guest passes are not necessary.

• The SPCA has an urgent need for community members to open their homes to provide temporary care to foster animals.

• Be patient regarding animal admissions… find alternative solutions like Rehome or let the SPCA assist with pet retention so surrendering isn’t necessary.

• To report animal cruelty in Erie County, contact the SPCA Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

From Surrender to Serendipity: Emily’s Heartwarming Reunion with Ranger

In February, Emily faced a difficult decision and surrendered her beloved dog, Ranger, to the SPCA, knowing that it was the best course of action. Recent hardships, including the loss of a job and an apartment, made caring for Ranger difficult for Emily as he was undergoing costly skin issues that were becoming unmanageable. Emily knew the SPCA would give him the best possible veterinary care and find him a loving new home.

One day last week, Emily was at a park in the West Seneca/Buffalo area with her friends. As they strolled through the park, Emily was struck by a familiar bark that caught her attention right away. Intrigued, Emily quickened her group’s pace, wondering whether the source of the bark could possibly be Ranger. Tears welled up in Emily’s eyes as she drew nearer, and to her astonishment, it was indeed him! Overwhelmed with emotions, Emily couldn’t believe her eyes. Emily asked if the dog was Ranger and the new owners confirmed that it was him! The serendipitous reunion left everyone amazed by the remarkable coincidence.

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect was that this park was always a favorite spot for Emily and Ranger, because he loves the creek there!

Since the moment Ranger was surrendered, thoughts of him had frequently occupied Emily’s mind. However, seeing him in person once again was a deeply moving experience. Ranger was happy and he was larger, fluffier, and remarkably healthy! Emily expressed profound gratitude to the SPCA saying, “I want to thank the Erie County SPCA for taking the time to care for him and help place him into a good home.” She also extended a heartfelt thank you to Ranger’s new owners, acknowledging their commitment to providing him with a wonderful life. Ranger is an extraordinary dog, and although Emily misses him dearly, she wishes him and his new family all the best! #SPCACompassionInAction

Officer Lindsey Wood, a dedicated 19-year veteran of the SPCA, was checking a Facebook lost and found page Monday afternoon when she stumbled upon an unusual post. A woman was shocked when she discovered a 4-foot iguana perched in a tree in her backyard! Officer Wood responded, advising the woman that iguanas cannot thrive in our environment and suggested she call the SPCA for assistance.

Almost immediately, the homeowner called SPCA dispatch, and SPCA Officers Wood and Maleskis embarked on a mission to the Clifford Heights neighborhood in Amherst. Upon their arrival, they spotted the iguana luxuriating on a powerline. Aware of the potential hazards associated with powerlines, they promptly contacted National Grid US for guidance. Jeff Wagner from National Grid came out and kindly offered his expertise and reassured the officers that the iguana was situated on the phone lines, posing no immediate danger.

Encouraged by this information, they decided to attempt a rescue operation. It required an hour of hard work, and Officers Wood and Maleskis, accompanied by Mr. Wagner, successfully retrieved the iguana and secured it in a carrier!

Once safely retrieved, the SPCA officers brought the iguana to Dr. Hess at Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Hess conducted a thorough examination, revealing that the iguana, now named Clifford, was in good health and had not sustained any injuries. He is currently recuperating comfortably at the SPCA after his grand outdoor escapade.

The SPCA and Clifford extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their help in getting our new friend into safe hands! Their contributions exemplify the compassionate spirit of the SPCA! #SPCACompassionInAction