Author: Gina

Brandon Beane on #PMSLIVE with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 donation for the SPCA!

Beane’s 10-Yard Toss Heard ‘Round Buffalo

April 16, 2026
Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Some guys hit the gym. Some guys watch film. And in his own words, Brandon Beane casually throws a football twice a week… just in case someone like Pat McAfee decides to put $100,000 on the line.

Earlier this year on The Pat McAfee Show, sports media personality, podcast host, WWE commentator, and former NFL All-Pro punter McAfee laid down the kind of challenge that sounds easy until you’re holding the ball: hit a small hole from about 10 yards out. Three tries. No pressure—just six figures and bragging rights.

Another unnamed NFL GM (well, we won’t name him here) had stepped up before. He walked away with nothing but a “nice try” and maybe a bruised ego.

But this particular day, it was Beane’s turn.

Brandon Beane on #PMSLIVE with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 donation for the SPCA!
Brandon Beane with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 touchdown for the SPCA!

First throw? A little warm-up. Gotta’ read the defense.

Second throw? An absolute dime. Right through the hole. No replay needed.

Touchdown.

Cue the crowd going wild (in our heads, at least), and just like that, McAfee was on the hook. The winnings? Split between two charities—including our incredible SPCA Serving Erie County.

That’s right—this wasn’t just a trick shot. It was a game-changer for animals in need.

Watch Beane score a $50,000 touchdown for the SPCA here >>

And if you know Beane, you know this wasn’t luck. This is the same man behind Bills Muttfia, a program he and his wife Hayley created seven seasons ago, where every Buffalo Bills home game touchdown means a $100 donation to help save an animal’s life.

As Beane put it, “My wife, Hayley, keeps me updated on all of the awesome work [the SPCA Serving Erie County does] to help animals each and every day. Hayley and I have just always had a heart for rescue animals.”

Read more about all the Beanes do for SPCA animals through BILLS MUTTFIA >>

So it turns out that 10-yard toss wasn’t just a flex—it was a clutch, game-winning play for animals across Erie County.

And honestly? We’ll take Brandon and Hayley on our team any day.

See Beane’s $50,000 TD for the SPCA here >>
Beane threads the needle 34 minutes in:

Find more on Bills Muttfia here >>

SPCA WILL RECEIVE  DONATION FROM NORTHTOWN SUBARU DURING ADOPTION EVENT AS PART OF SUBARU’S SHARE THE LOVE®

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Fudge will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

Longtime SPCA Serving Erie County partner Northtown Subaru will present SPCA representatives with a donation (total yet to be revealed!) during an adoption event this weekend that will feature adorable and adoptable puppies, dogs and cats!

Northtown Subaru chose the SPCA Serving Erie County (in addition to national charities) from which new Subaru owners or lessees could select to receive a $250 donation from Subaru of America, Inc.

Year to date, Northtown has donated $160,207 to The SPCA Serving Erie Country as part of the Subaru Share the Love Initiative!

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Latte will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

The adoption event will take place Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Northtown’s exciting, new Subaru location: 6374 Transit Rd, Depew, NY 14043. (The check presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m.)

“Northtown Automotive is proud of our longstanding partnership with the SPCA and our commitment to supporting those organizations that support Western New Yorkers. The SPCA Serving Erie County helps thousands of animals in need every year,” said Harold Erbacher, chief operating officer and co-owner of Northtown Automotive Companies. “We pride ourselves on assisting others by creating a sense of family, generosity and sharing— both at the dealerships where we work and in the community we serve.”

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Hershey will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

“We continue to be so excited over this unique partnership with Northtown Subaru,” says SPCA Serving Erie County President/CEO Cait Daly. “What is most impressive is the fact that this partnership is truly personal for the Northtown reps with whom we work! It’s evident how much they love animals and love the SPCA, and the degree to which they believe in our programs and services is so encouraging. We look forward to continuing this partnership into the future, as the SPCA strives to be a resource for more people in more parts of our region.”

“Because of Northtown Subaru’s unwavering compassion and support, we’re able to give animals in their most vulnerable moments a real chance at life,” said SPCA Associate Director of Corporate and Individual Giving Phillip Weiss. “Their generosity doesn’t just fund care—it brings hope, healing, and the promise of a loving home to animals who have nowhere else to turn. We are truly grateful for their partnership and the profound difference they make every single day.”

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Eve will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

Because animals at previous Northtown/SPCA adoption events have been adopted very quickly, interested parties are encouraged to arrive at the April 18 event early to browse animals (and vehicles!).

— SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

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

March 26, 2026
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.

SPCA Serving Erie County Leaders Bring Animal Welfare Priorities to State Capitol During Advocacy Day 2026

From left: SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly, Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca, and Chief Development Officer Kelly Wolf

March 2026 –The SPCA Serving Erie County was well represented in Albany on Wednesday, March 11, as President/CEO Cait Daly, Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca, and Chief Development Officer Kelly Wolf took part in Advocacy Day.

Held annually, Advocacy Day provides organizations from across New York the opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers and advocate for policies that impact their communities. This year, in conjunction with the New York State Animal Protection Federation—of which Daly serves as board president—the SPCA Serving Erie County joined fellow animal welfare leaders from throughout the state to champion legislation aimed at improving the lives of animals and strengthening protections statewide.

From left, Wolf, Assembly Member Chludzinski, Daly, Lattuca.

The team engaged legislators in conversations about key priorities outlined in this year’s Humane Agenda >>. These issues include strengthening animal cruelty laws, supporting shelters and rescues, and ensuring adequate funding for animal welfare initiatives. More details on the 2026 Humane Agenda can be found here: >>.

During their time at the Capitol, Daly, Lattuca, and Wolf met with several elected officials, including Patrick M. Gallivan and Patrick Chludzinski, as well as representatives from the offices of Assembly Member Karen McMahon and Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes. These discussions allowed the team to highlight the importance of humane legislation and to share firsthand insights from Erie County on the challenges and opportunities facing animal welfare organizations today.

Within mere days following Advocacy Day, Senator Gallivan added his name as cosponsor to two important pieces of legislation concerning trying animal fighting as a criminal act for purposes of enterprise corruption crimes (Assembly Member Chludzinski also expressed strong interest in this legislation) and establishing a civil remedy (vs. criminal) for the protection of animals denied proper care in appropriate situations.

By participating in Advocacy Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County continues its commitment to being a strong voice for animals, ensuring their needs are represented at the state level while helping to shape a more compassionate future for all.

From the office of Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane:

DEFENDANT PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY AGGRAVATED ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGE FOR FATALLY STABBING DOG

March 17, 2026  — Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Emery S. Kawski, 21, formerly of City of Tonawanda, pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class E felony under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law). Kawski pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge and sole count of the indictment.

On the evening of Monday, February 24, 2025, the defendant intentionally stabbed a dog inside of his residence in the City of Tonawanda. Police found the deceased dog inside of a garbage tote outside a nearby home. A necropsy determined that “Pop Rocks,” an approximately four-year-old male Boston Terrier, died from multiple sharp-force trauma wounds to his abdomen. Analysis of a knife, recovered from the kitchen sink of the defendant’s home, tested positive for canine blood.

Kawski faces up to two years of incarceration when he is sentenced on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

While the case was pending in the Tonawanda City Court, our office obtained a securing order to prohibit the defendant from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals. After the indictment, Judge Case modified the securing order, over the objection of the People, to allow the defendant to continue to live at the residence on condition that he be supervised while in the presence of any animals.

DA Keane commends the City of Tonawanda Police Department, City of Tonawanda Dog Control, Officers Lindsey Wood and Meghan Giles of the SPCA Serving Erie County, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Erie County Central Police Service Forensic Laboratory for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Animal Cruelty Unit.

ONE-NIGHT STANDS: ENCOURAGED!
FALLING IN LOVE: Optional

Doggie Entourage just got an after-hours upgrade!

Introducing BARK AFTER DARK, an overnight sleepover – with no strings attached – for SPCA dogs!

Available every weekend*, take an SPCA dog home with you for one or two nights with Bark After Dark, presented by Moog!

Q: WHAT’S BARK AFTER DARK?
A: It’s a fun, new sleepover program for adoptable dogs at the SPCA!

Q: WAIT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN? AN SPCA DOG CAN COME TO MY HOUSE FOR A SLUMBER PARTY?
A: YES! You can have a sleepover just Saturday night, or turn your one-night stand into a two-day fling and keep the dog Saturday and Sunday nights!

Q: THIS CAN’T BE REAL! DO I HAVE TO BE INTERESTED IN PERMANENTLY ADOPTING?
A: NOPE! Forever love is always encouraged, of course, and your one-night stand might steal your heart…but Bark After Dark requires no commitment, no drama, no promises. Just fun!

Q: HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHICH DOGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A SLEEP-OVER?
A: It’s easy!  If you’re 18 years of age or older, you just contact the SPCA after 10 a.m. on Saturdays! Call (716) 875-7360, ext. 207 to learn what Bark After Dark dogs are available.* Visiting earlier in the week? Look for the Bark After Dark signs with available dogs! *

Q: WHAT IF THERE’S A DOG I’D LIKE TO BRING HOME FOR BARK AFTER DARK?
A: Test your chemistry by reserving an available dog by phone. Pick-ups at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site will be arranged Saturdays between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dogs are available on a first come, first served basis. Dogs will need to be returned to the SPCA Sunday or Monday at 10:30 a.m.

Q: CAN I INTRODUCE THE SPCA DOG TO MY DOG AND OTHER PETS AT HOME?
A: Easy, now! Remember, this is a fling, not a mixer! Bark After Dark is available to people with no other pets, or those with the ability to keep your new SPCA friend separate from all other animals.

Q: WHAT IF I WANT TO MAKE THIS A PERMANENT COMMITMENT AND ADOPT THE DOG?
A: We were hoping you’d ask! Speak with Adoptions staff to find out how to turn this one-night stand into forever love! And the best part…if you decide right away to make this relationship a lasting one and wish to adopt Monday morning, you have first priority over others who may visit to meet the dog! This is one of the few times in life a one or two-night stand really DOES work out!

Q: THIS IS ALL GOING SO FAST. WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO HANG OUT WITH AN SPCA DOG FOR A COUPLE HOURS?
A: If you’re looking for a daytime hang rather than an overnight stay, we have a program for that too! Check out our DOGGIE ENTOURAGE program here >> !

*NOTE: Dogs must meet certain specific behavior criteria before being accepted into the Bark After Dark program. That means that, on occasion, no dogs will be available for a Saturday slumber party. Yes, we know this is just a fling…but we want to do everything possible to turn your fling into forever! Thanks for understanding!

For more information on Bark After Dark, please contact SPCA Adoptions and Foster Care Manager Zak Sprowls: zaks@yourspca.org.

The SPCA Serving Erie County extends a tail-wagging thanks to MOOG, sponsors of BARK AFTER DARK and DOGGIE ENTOURAGE! Thanks, MOOG, for keeping our dogs on the move!

SPCA ISSUES WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS

January 19, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The winter storms have returned, 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.

Click the SPCA Paws & Patriots image below to see adoptable animals!

SPCA Paws & Patriots, presented by The Dome, offers 50% off all adoptions to United States active-duty military members and veterans, or their spouses.
For more information on SPCA Paws & Patriots, presented by The Dome, contact Adoptions Supervisor Zak Sprowls at ZakS@yourspca.org

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