Digging His Free Ride from Florida to Buffalo,
STEFON DIGGUANA Touches Down at the SPCA Serving Erie County
October 28, 2022
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
UPDATE, November 4 — Stefon Digguana officially has a Buffalo home! He’s the newest member of the family at Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics! New dad and Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics Owner Jeff Musial says on Facebook that Stefon has found his “forever home!” Those are our favorite words! Thanks, Jeff, and Stefon, we’ll miss you but we know you’ll love watching many years’ worth of Buffalo Bills games with the Nickel City crew! Full story below!
Getting on the field at Highmark Stadium can be tricky, but one iguana found a way to score.
This week, an unmarked NBC Sunday Night Football “follow truck” carrying broadcast equipment made its way from Florida to Buffalo in preparation for the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday evening.
According to Diana Solomon, production coordinator at NBC Sports, “Our driver, Christian, was unloading the truck this afternoon, bringing boxes and other items to the [Highmark Stadium] field. As he lifted wires and cables out of one of the boxes, there underneath everything, at the bottom of the box, was this iguana!”
Solomon said the iguana was very still, and they weren’t sure if he was alive.
“We placed the iguana in a clear, plastic container, put hand warmers on him, and wrapped him up in towels,” Solomon added. “It wasn’t long before he ’woke up’ and started to move.”
At that point, unsure what to do with the lizard, Solomon contacted the Wildlife Department at the SPCA Serving Erie County.
“The iguana appears to be quite young, and he’s obviously wild, invasive to the Florida region,” says SPCA Wildlife Director Barbara Haney. “That limits our ability to send him back. He appears to be malnourished and dehydrated, so we’ll set him up here in a cage and hopefully he’ll relax, eat, and drink. Then he’ll see a local exotics veterinarian on Tuesday.”
Why are green iguanas illegal in Florida? >>
If cleared medically, wildlife representatives at the SPCA are hoping to place him with a reptile rescue/organization. If one cannot be located, the SPCA will attempt to find an experienced iguana owner who would be comfortable working with a young iguana not yet used to being handled. “Placement with a proper rescue or reptile center would be ideal, but if we cannot locate one that will accept him, it will be important to find an experienced someone,” Haney said. “Due to the special circumstances surrounding this reptile, the fact that he was wild-bred, and his acquisition, the best chance of a successful outcome will be with a patient handler who knows how to work with this iguana and provide the best life possible for him.”
The iguana’s new name? Courtesy of SPCA Animal Care Manager Leigh Ann Abbey, the iguana is now called STEFON DIGGUANA, after Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs!
Experienced iguana owners who may be interested in giving Stefon Digguana a new home can email the SPCA at…what else…Digguana@yourspca.org!
UPDATE, October 29 — Watching the game tomorrow night? Look for an appearance by the newest and most attractive social media darling, the one and only Stefon Digguana! NBC Sports representatives were at the SPCA Serving Erie County, NY this afternoon filming Stefon for his close-up! As you see, Stefon posed nicely for the camera!
SPCA Compassion in Action:
October 21, 2022 — Earlier this week, Mocha was brought to the SPCA with a pyometra, an infected uterus, which required surgery to remove. Following 
surgery, our vet services staff cleaned up Mocha to help her recover. From having a pain patch applied to her tail to getting necessary vaccines and having blood drawn for lab work, our team ensured that Mocha was taken care of. Mocha is still recovering from her surgery but is in good spirits. Just this morning, she was standing up and wagging her tail in her kennel. As she recovers, let’s send some good thoughts her way! We’ll keep you updated on her condition. Thank you to our vet services staff for all the incredible work you do. #SPCACompassionInAction
–Jillian LeBlanc, SPCA CCO Assistant/ Social Media Coordinator
From WKBW-TV:
Click the image and headline to see the full story from Oct. 20, 2022!
Thank you to Cheektowaga Animal Control and Aaron Kandefer, for the concise explanation of what’s being done to help dogs in our region!
October 19, 2022 — BUFFALO MAN ARRAIGNED ON FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES FOR KILLING ONE PUPPY AND INJURING ANOTHER
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Joelier A. Santiago of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Kevin J. Keane on two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felonies under Agriculture and Markets Law) and two counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under Agriculture and Markets Law).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, the defendant intentionally caused serious injuries to two puppies under his care inside of an apartment on Louisiana Street in the City of Buffalo.
One of the dogs, a 2-month-old male Maltese named “Milo,” was unresponsive when he was taken to the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic before being transferred to the critical care unit at the Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center. A veterinarian determined that “Milo” suffered severe bruising caused by excessive force and non-accidental injury. “Milo” was surrendered to the SPCA Serving Erie County and remains in the custody of a foster caregiver.
The second dog, a 10-month-old female Maltese puppy named “Nala,” died from her injuries. A necropsy determined that the dog died from blunt force trauma caused by excessive force and non-accidental injury.
Santiago is scheduled to return on Wednesday, November 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
Judge Keane issued a temporary order that prevents the defendant from owning or caring for any animals while his criminal case remains pending.
If convicted of the highest charge, Santiago faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
DA Flynn commends SPCA Officer Lindsey M. Wood, SPCA Officer Jasil Ivory, the SPCA Serving Erie County, Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center and Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center Anatomic Pathology Department for their work in this investigation.
“This defendant is accused of intentionally injuring two small puppies under his care. My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law. I want thank the SPCA for not only their work in this investigation, but also for the work they do every day to help animals in our community,” said District Attorney John Flynn.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
–Kait Munro, Public Information Officer, Erie County District Attorney’s Office
SUBARU LOVES PETS IN ERIE COUNTY THROUGH DONATIONS, ADOPTION EVENT
October 19, 2022
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
Once again, the Subaru Loves Pets campaign will help animals in Erie County, NY!
As announced earlier this month, for every dog or cat adopted at the SPCA Serving Erie County this October, Northtown Subaru has been donating $100 to the SPCA as part of Subaru Loves Pets. The donation will be made for up to 31 animals, one for each day of the month!
Additionally, Northtown Subaru will hold an adoption event made possible through a generous grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®). Adoptable animals from the SPCA Serving Erie County will be present at Northtown Subaru, 3930 Sheridan Drive in Amherst, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Patrons are invited to visit with SPCA animals, learn about what the SPCA Serving Erie County has to offer, and learn more about Northtown Subaru.
Then November 17, 2022 – January 3, 2023, Subaru donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the purchaser’s choice of either four national charities or to the SPCA Serving Erie County, a registered Hometown Charity with Northtown Subaru (Northtown Subaru will donate a minimum of $50 per unit sold, plus $5 for every routine service visit, to be divided amongst each registered Hometown Charity).
“Partnering with the Northtown Subaru team is always an absolute pleasure and we are so grateful for its continued commitment in helping the animals in our community,” said SPCA Annual Giving Manager Phillip Weiss this month. “The assistance of the ASPCA® in the Subaru Loves Pets Grant Program, responsible for October’s adoption event, is also invaluable. The event and the donation campaigns will not only help more animals get adopted but they will also earn more funds to help the animals who are in need of medical attention, food, shelter, and comfort when they have nowhere else to turn. Northtown Subaru is a true friend of animals and the SPCA Serving Erie County!”
See animals available for adoption (some might be at the October 26 adoption event!) right here >>
Click on the image below to see our adoptable animals!
Special good only at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd.,
West Seneca location.
SPCA Compassion In Action:
October 7, 2022 — REUNITED, AND IT FEELS SO GOOD! How good? EIGHT YEARS good!
This sweet kitty was brought to the SPCA on September 23, 2022 as an injured stray who needed immediate veterinary care. During the course of his exam, SPCA staff members scanned him for a microchip, and a microchip number displayed on the screen!
When the pet owner attached to the chip was contacted, we learned from the very excited person on the other end of the line that the kitty being cared for was named Orion, and yes, he went missing from their North Tonawanda home…EIGHT YEARS AGO!
Orion was picked up by his owners yesterday, and brought to his all-new West Seneca home! And you can tell just by this photo…they both were so excited that they’re reunited! Hey, hey!!
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION is the conversation…in our HUMANE HABITAT series!
The SPCA Serving Erie County’s Humane Habitat program addresses the need to decrease negative interactions between humans and wildlife and promotes kindness and compassion in the spaces that we share with wildlife.
Our vision is to create a community where all animals are treated with compassion and respect. In a series of six classes – three in the fall of 2022 and three in the spring of 2023 – members of the SPCA’s Wildlife Department and associates from the Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment will share ways to make participants’ yard, space, school, or other outdoor area more humane and wildlife-friendly.
After attending the classes, participants will qualify to have their space deemed a Certified Humane Habitat and will receive a sign to display in their Humane Habitat. Participants will have an opportunity to invite a member of the SPCA’s Wildlife Department to come out to their property and see the space and offer suggestions.
By supporting this program and having a space certified as a Humane Habitat, participants can feel good about creating kind spaces and helping to teach about living compatibly with nature and animals!
Fall classes will take place via Zoom on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00. (Dates for the spring classes will be announced in 2023.) Classes are $20 each; register for one class or all classes! Pay $120 for both the fall and spring series and receive your yard sign!
Class 1: Thursday, Oct. 20
Why are Humane Habitats important spaces? Participants will learn about the risks that wildlife (and humanity) face.
Class 2: Thursday, Oct. 27
What is a Humane Habitat? What have you done? What are you doing? Nicole and Dave, representatives from Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment, will lead tonight’s program.
Class 3: Thursday, Nov. 3
How can you start and continue your work in your designated outdoor space? How is the SPCA designating Humane Habitats?
For more information and to register, please send an email to the Wildlife Department Director Barb Haney at BarbH@yourspca.org.
SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR SWEET, FOUR-FOOTED FARM FRIEND
September 29, 2022 — We said sad goodbyes this morning to a sweet, gentle friend not only loved by SPCA staff members and volunteers, but loved by thousands throughout the community.
Even those folks just passing the SPCA on the I-90 East grew fond of looking for Newman the goat, grazing the pastures of our Educational Farm.
Newman, a 10-year-old Nubian goat, was brought to us by one of our animal cruelty investigation officers after being rescued from a neglectful owner/caretaker in January, 2014. Newman, 
almost 2 at the time, was tested for and was suffering from a permanent condition most likely acquired at a very young age, Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis (CAE); he was receiving no care for the condition. Newman was also emaciated and suffered from pneumonia. After months of loving care and veterinary treatment, Newman rebounded beautifully from the emaciation and pneumonia, and became a permanent resident of the Educational Farm, helping to teach thousands of children and adults about goats and farm animal care while serving as best friend to Xylord, the SPCA’s resident miniature horse.
Newman’s CAE started to progress at an increased rate last year, and SPCA Educational Farm Manager Sheila Foss and her team went to work monitoring Newman, keeping him as comfortable as possible. By late summer, Sheila noticed Newman slowing down significantly; he was having more difficulty getting up and down, walking more slowly, and she noticed he didn’t want to stay out in the pasture as long as he usually did in the past. The SPCA’s Patti Burg, then-assistant farm manager who originally helped in bringing Newman to the SPCA and worked alongside Newman throughout his 9-year residence at the SPCA, also saw changes in him.
Earlier this month, local large animal veterinarian Dr. Jean Feldman, who has treated SPCA farm animals for decades and was Newman’s veterinarian, visited as part of an instructional presentation to veterinary students at the SPCA. When she observed Newman’s continuing decline, Dr. Feldman knew some tough choices had to be made. After discussing the situation with Dr. Feldman, Sheila, Patti, and new Educational Farm Associate Raeleigh May made the heartbreaking choice to say goodbye to Newman this morning.
We know so many of you in the community share our sorrow in bidding farewell to this amazing soul who has brightened so many of our lives just by his presence.
-Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer & Sheila Foss, SPCA Educational Farm Manager