LILIES, CHOCOLATE HARMFUL TO PETS; OTHER EASTER PET SAFETY REMINDERS

April 10, 2025
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

As shopping for the Easter holiday continues this week, the SPCA Serving Erie County reminds pet owners and people bringing gifts to pet owners that chocolate and Easter lilies can be harmful, even deadly, to pets.

All parts of the Easter lily, day lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Asiatic lily, and some others are toxic to felines. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can result in kidney failure and, if untreated, death. Shortly after ingestion, a cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. As the kidney damage progresses, these signs worsen. In most cases, a cat must be treated within mere hours of ingesting the plant, or damage to the kidneys will be irreversible.

Most chocolate contains high amounts of fat and methylxanthine alkaloids (theobromine and caffeine) that cause constriction of arteries, increased heart rate, and central nervous system/cardiac muscle stimulation.

These effects can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive panting and thirst, hyperactivity, increased urinating, stiffness, and exaggerated reflexes. Cardiac failure, seizures, coma, and death can result if the chocolate ingestion is not found within four to six hours and treated appropriately.

Other holiday reminders:

*Thinking about bringing a bunny into the home? Check out this important article from the well-respected House Rabbit Society! It’s true…even at Easter time, there are responsible ways to bring a bunny into your life!

*If you color your Easter eggs, ensure the food colorings or dyes do not contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.

*Check candy for the ingredient XYLITOL, extremely toxic to dogs even in very small amounts. Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, safe for many humans but extremely toxic to dogs, possibly causing liver failure, seizures, and death.

*Keep Easter baskets, basket ‘grass,’ candy, and foil candy wrappers away from pets. Hiding those Easter baskets? Be sure the pets can’t find them before the kids! Basket grasses and foil wrappers are non-digestible and can get caught in the intestines, leading to blockage and possible perforation. They can lead to choking, strangulation, and even worse, an internal obstruction. In addition to chocolate, discussed above, other candies can be dangerous for pets. Be sure children aren’t tempted to share their Easter basket candies with their four-footed friends!

*If you’re using garlic, onions, or chives in meal preparation, be extra careful about ensuring your pets aren’t sneaking a taste. These items are toxic to both cats and dogs and can cause gastroenteritis and hemolytic anemia. Adding to the risk is the fact that signs of both may not appear for several days. Signs of toxicity include increased heart/breathing rates, pale gums, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.

*Tempted to share holiday table scraps with Fido or Fluffy? Use discretion. Be aware of bones in the mix. And remember not to overfeed your animals with table food to which they’re not accustomed; this could lead to digestion problems and other unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.

*Be careful in selecting spring plants for the home. In addition to lilies mentioned above, the foliage, flower, or pod of daffodils can cause upset tummies, vomiting, or diarrhea; flower heads of hydrangeas can cause stomach pains, vomiting, and weakness; even the seeds and pods of wisteria can cause all of the above plus dehydration and collapse.

*Be sure curious pets are not able to get at a garbage bag! Even if harmful items are properly disposed of, an unsupervised pet can chew through a plastic garbage bag and still have access to raw bones and other waste.

Contact your veterinarian for more information.  In an after-hours or holiday veterinary emergency, you can reach an emergency veterinary clinic at  (716) 403-4370  in Cheektowaga or (716) 662-6660 in Orchard Park.

ASK LEGISLATORS TO KEEP COMPANION ANIMAL CAPITAL FUND IN BUDGET, ADD ANIMAL CRIMES FUND 



Submit form to senators and assemblymembers urging funding for companion animals >>

More on 2025 Companion Animal Capital Fund and Animal Crimes Fund >>

Companion animals need your voice *NOW!*

The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) and the SPCA Serving Erie County need your help!

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul included $5 million in the state budget for the Companion Animal Capital Fund, the only fund of its kind in the country that supports capital projects at rescues, shelters, and humane societies such as our SPCA Serving Erie County. This increases organizations’ ability to provide proper care to hundreds of thousands of companion animals throughout the state of New York. Due to the number of qualified organizations in the state, the total, while generous, can be exhausted quickly.

The New York State Legislature added $5 million to the state budget to bring the total to ten million dollars, doubling the amount of money that can be placed towards caring for animals in need in New York State. Now it’s important that this additional five million dollars stay in the budget.

Additionally, the NYSAPF is asking for $2.5 million to help with costs associated with rescuing and caring for abused animals that are victims of animal cruelty cases as part of the Animal Crimes Fund. 

CAN YOU HELP US ENSURE THIS FUNDING IS IN THE NEW YORK STATE BUDGET FOR 2025?

Action needs to be taken as soon as possible, before April 1, 2025! We need your voice today to ensure New York State can help us care for animals in need! 


TAKE ACTION

Those interested in encouraging lawmakers to keep the full Companion Animal Capital Fund and add the Animal Crimes Fund to the New York State budget can add their voice to thousands who want to ensure animals are cared for. Contact lawmakers using an on-line, pre-written form here >>

Send a message to lawmakers here >>

There's never been a better time to join our pack!

SPCA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Our goal at the SPCA Serving Erie County is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of the community we serve in the most effective way possible. All employment decisions are decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

ACCESS Team Coordinator

\Animal Care, part time

Education Program Specialist

Education Program Specialist (per diem)

Farm Assistant

Foster Care Coordinator

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Lipsey Veterinary Clinic

The opportunity to spend your days working around beautiful animals and people who love them seems like it would be enough of a benefit, right? But when you join our pack as a full or part-time staff member we offer you even more! Check out our benefits:
Benefits >>


OTHER SPCA OPPORTUNITIES 

College Internships

Volunteer Opportunities


 

Become a Wildlife Volunteer at the SPCA Serving Erie County!

Get a little wild and join our flock!
We’re looking for Wildlife Department volunteers!

Read more about becoming a Wildlife Department volunteer here >>

Then if you think you’re right for the job, register for the volunteer orientation by clicking the button below!

DATE: Saturday, March 1
TIME: 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
PLACE: SPCA Serving Erie County, 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Volunteer Services Manager Elle Franks, volunteerservices@yourspca.org or (716) 875-7360, ext. 232

REQUIREMENTS:
-Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older
-We’ll need volunteers to commit to a minimum of one weekly 4-hour shift

Read the Wildlife volunteer job description >> 

Register here for the SPCA’s Wildlife Volunteer Orientation >> 

Read about the SPCA’s Wildlife Department >> 

SPCA Officer William Heine Retires After 20 Years of Service

Senior Investigator Heine (l) on his last day at the SPCA, receiving a commemorative plaque from Chief Wood


January 30, 2025 —
Today we say goodbye to someone who has dedicated 20 years of his life to caring for animals, rescuing them from life-threatening circumstances, loving them, comforting them, sometimes risking his own well-being to save them.

Officer William Heine started at the SPCA in 2005. He worked in the Animal Care Department, ensuring the animals were fed, clean, happy, and healthy. “I knew I wanted to do more,” says Heine. “After three years I moved into Animal Rescue, and within one year I went to school to become a New York State Peace Officer. That same year, I was licensed through the state and became an SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator.”

Officer Heine and Millie the goat

Heine recalled several favorite memories of working at the SPCA for two decades. “One of my favorite memories is how I found the cat I now own. About nine years ago, I was called out to Derby at 2 a.m. to pick up a box of abandoned kittens. The person who found them told me there were four or five kittens in the box, but I only found four.” Heine searched his rescue vehicle high and low in case there was, in fact, a fifth kitten that had escaped the box. He found nothing, and assumed there were four kittens in all. “Four days later I left paperwork on a clipboard in the van. When I went to the van to retrieve it, I saw muddy pawprints on the paperwork, and I instantly knew who left them. I KNEW there was a kitten hiding in that van who had been petrified over coming out.” After another painstaking search, Heine found the tiny kitten, brought her home, fostered her, and, said Heine, “She became my shadow! She’s my Kit Kat!”

A case four years ago also quickly came to Heine’s mind. “I received a tip that dogs were regularly being trained and fought at a residence in Buffalo. One afternoon I drove to the property to see if I could find any evidence of the alleged acts, but could find nothing. I went to the Buffalo Police to ask them to monitor the property, which they did; each week they would provide me with information, but there wasn’t enough that would allow me to further an investigation.”

Just when it seemed there was nothing more that could be done, everything changed. “One week, a detective unrelated to this case realized we, too, were looking for information on this property, a site he was monitoring. He contacted me and shared information on his interest in the property. We ended up working closely together for several weeks. In the end, our SPCA worked with Buffalo Police, Erie County Sheriffs, and the captain from Erie County’s Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau. Because so many agencies worked together, we were able to locate five dogs at the property, plus two additional dogs owned by this person who was ultimately arrested.”

Heine said that, in addition to helping these dogs and future dogs who may have been harmed by this criminal, what he found memorable was the collaboration of so many agencies, and he values the relationships formed with other officers, friendships he maintains to this day.

Officer Heine on an exciting wildlife release

Heine’s favorite part of being an SPCA Serving Erie County representative? Educating members of the public. “So much of what we do is not just related to prosecution, it’s related to education. There are times people are completely unaware that what they’re doing or not doing could be harmful to their pets, and these are the people I enjoy helping. Plus, the SPCA is doing so much now to help with vaccines, food, medical assistance…we’re able to do so much more to help people keep their animals.”

In fact, it’s people Heine will miss once he officially retires today. “I’ll truly miss the people here at the SPCA, my co-workers…especially the people in my department. We see things a lot of people do not see. It brings us closer together. We have to lean on each other to get through some days.”

What is Heine most thankful for as he looks back on his career? “I’m so grateful just for the opportunity to be an investigator. It’s a very rewarding career, something that’s not for everybody, for sure. The SPCA gave me the incredible opportunity to move forward in this position, and for that I’m extremely thankful.”

A tearful tribute to Officer Heine by Chief Wood this morning

SPCA Chief Lindsey Wood congratulates Heine on his retirement. “It’s well-deserved,” Wood says. “As our leading Senior Investigator, Bill’s commitment to saving the lives of animals and assisting in educating the community will be sorely missed. We look forward to our continued partnership as he transitions from his daily role as officer to his new role as volunteer!” And Wood’s personal note to Heine? “Bill, thank you for always being one phone call away for everyone. I will miss your daily ‘dad’ jokes!”

Officer Heine, your dedication, loyalty, and commitment are admirable, and we can’t begin to count the hundreds if not thousands of animals you’ve helped for two decades. You’ve spent 20 years of your life taking care of others…other people and animals. Thank you for your compassion, skill, and professionalism. It has been a tremendous honor to have you on our team, and so many of us are privileged to call you our friend. We wish you luck as you begin your retirement. And we’ll have your volunteer name tag ready when you are.

— Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County

APRIL’S KINDNESS CAMP HAS BEEN FILLED!
Please see below for information on our summer sessions of Kindness Camp!

AGES 5-7 REGISTRATION FILLED!


AGES 8-11 REGISTRATION FILLED!

A unique learning experience for children with at least one thing in common: THEIR LOVE FOR ANIMALS! Children will learn about a variety of animal-related topics while meeting and interacting with cool animals, learning to understand and appreciate the unique bond we share! Register children for one day, two days, or all days! Just select the appropriate button or click the image above!

INFO ON SUMMER CAMP

Questions? Contact SPCA Director of Humane Education Christine Davis:
(716) 875-7360, ext. 262 or christined@yourspca.org

SPCA KINDNESS CAMP RETURNS FOR FEBRUARY BREAK!

A unique learning experience for children who have at least one thing in common: THEIR LOVE FOR ANIMALS! Children will learn about a variety of animal-related topics while meeting and interacting with cool animals, learning to understand and appreciate the unique bond we share!

Don’t wait to register – space is limited! Register here >> or click the image below!

INFO ON APRIL CAMP

INFO ON SUMMER CAMP

Rosebud and Paws for Love made the big time!

Check out this article about therapy dog Rosebud and her journey to becoming an SPCA Paws for Love dog in the January 7, 2025 edition of The Washington Post!

Keep your eye open for other pets from the SPCA’s Paws for Love program pictured in the article too!

Click on the image below to read the full article. If prompted, just enter an email address to read for free! Thanks to author Sydney Page for such a heartfelt glimpse at one of our SPCA’s most important programs.

SPCA PARTNERS WITH ERIE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON FREE RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC FOR DOGS, CATS, & FERRETS

Registration required.
Click the image below for details on how to register.


 

#SPCACompassionInAction

SPCA ISSUES WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS

December 12, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

It had to happen sometime! The snow is back, and as many veterinary clinics (including the Lipsey Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA) are dealing with smaller work forces, it’s a little more complicated to receive emergency veterinary care.  Plan ahead for the upcoming snowy days and nights now to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy today and throughout the rest of the winter. Read on for some of the SPCA Serving Erie County’s winter pet safety tips.

*OUTDOOR ANIMAL SHELTER MUST BE SUITABLE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: …and if it’s not, animal welfare officers can rescue the pet even before he or she shows signs of suffering, thanks to New York State’s Shelter Law that went into effect in 2003. Thanks to a legislative push in late 2018 that led to stronger laws concerning the tethering of dogs within Buffalo city limits, the SPCA and other law enforcement organizations can now take even more steps to ensure dogs are protected from the elements.

* Keep a Tight Leash:
Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Pets can lose their scent on snow and ice, especially if snow is falling at a fast rate, and your pet can easily lose his sense of direction. Pets may also panic during a snowstorm and run away; many pets are lost during the winter months. Remember to keep current identification on your pet at all times!

*Keep Pets At Home: Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your pet could literally freeze to death.

*Always Dry Pet’s Wet Feet: Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s legs and stomach when she comes in and out of the rain, snow or ice. Check her sensitive foot pads, which may be bleeding from snow or ice encrusted in them. Your pet may also pick up salt and other chemicals on her feet accidentally. These chemicals could hurt her if she swallows them while licking her feet.

*Lay Straw for Dogs’ Visits Outdoors: Can’t get your dog to wear booties? Lay straw on top of snow for trips outdoors by dogs reluctant to step out onto a freezing surface to relieve themselves.

*Check Cars for Cats: During the winter, stray or neglected cats outdoors sometimes sleep under the hood of the car where it’s warm and comfortable. If you start the motor, cats could get caught in or flung about by the fan belt, causing serious injury or death. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood and sides of your car before turning on the ignition to give the cat a chance to escape.

*Keep Outdoor Sessions Short: Take your dog outside only for as long as it takes for him to relieve himself. Dogs, particularly small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas and terriers, suffer from the cold despite their seemingly warm fur coats. Live within Buffalo city limits? Don’t forget Buffalo’s new laws pertaining to tethering dogs in inclement weather.

*Bathe Pets Only When Necessary: Your pet runs the chance of catching a cold when wet, especially in cold weather. If you absolutely must bathe your pet, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

*Keep Pets Warm: Limit the clipping of your pet’s hair in the cold winter months, keeping your pet as warm as possible. Brush your pet daily in lieu of clipping to keep your pet’s coat healthy, shiny, clean and mat-free. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from outside drafts.

*Hungry Pets: Speak to your veterinarian about increasing your pet’s supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy through the winter months. Inquire about vitamin and oil supplements.

*ANTIFREEZE IS POISON TO PETS: ANTIFREEZE, EVEN IN SMALL DOSES, IS A LETHAL POISON FOR DOGS AND CATS! Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to clean up spills thoroughly, and consider switching to an animal-friendly antifreeze. Ensure that, if you store Antifreeze in a garage, shed, or other places accessible to your pets, it is well out of pets’ reach.

If your pet becomes lost, be sure to visit YourSPCA.org’s Lost and Found page for recommendations on where to post lost pet listings, and tips for finding your lost pets.

For more tips regarding keeping pets safe and healthy during the winter, please contact your veterinarian.

 

 

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