Category: News

SPCA waives adoption fees for veterans and current service members and their spouses with Vets and Pets

SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Vets & Pets

November 5, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Man in military service fatigues lays on couch with dog on his lap that he adopted through SPCA Vets & Pets, offering free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NYTo thank the members of the armed services this Veterans Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County once again offers Vets & Pets, waiving adoption fees on most animals for individuals and immediate families of individuals on active duty, reserves, and honorable discharge, along with service-disabled veterans and those retired from military service! This program, a longtime SPCA tradition, is proudly presented by Moog!

Vets & Pets begins Saturday, Nov. 7 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 14* at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location (off-site locations are not included in this campaign).

Photos of adoptable animals can be found here >>.

Adoption hours can be found here >>.

Female in military service fatigues playing with dog on her lap in front of American flag, and she adopted through SPCA Vets & Pets, offering free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NYMilitary ID or DD214 will need to be presented. If an individual is currently serving outside of New York State, that individual’s spouse can adopt during Vets & Pets if a military spouse identification card is presented. Adopters can apply the Vets & Pets waived adoption fee promotion toward a total of two animals.

Please contact SPCA Adoptions Supervisor Julia Kiblin with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 235.

The SPCA extends a patriotic thank you to Moog for allowing veterans and current service members the opportunity to adopt a beloved animal companion at no cost, creating life-changing bonds built on healing, hope, and unconditional love!

*Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The SPCA will be closed Sunday, Nov. 8. Potential adoptions must be started by 5 p.m., at least one hour prior to closing. Some exceptions to the program will apply concerning If The Fur Fits trial adoptions; see an Adoptions counselor or contact Kiblin with questions.

Person in military service fatigues in front of American flag holds dog he adopted through SPCA Vets & Pets, offering free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NY

#SPCACompassionInAction

SPCA Serving Erie County animal cruelty investigations update

 Hamburg Man Pleads Guilty for Shooting His Dog >>

ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
DISTRICT ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. KEANE

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: October 9, 2026

 HAMBURG MAN PLEADS GUILTY FOR SHOOTING HIS DOG

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Dennis J. Rutkowski, 62, of Hamburg, pleaded guilty this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens to one count of Attempted Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class A misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A misdemeanor).

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Town of Hamburg Police officers responded to residence on West Canyon Drive to conduct a welfare check. While outside of the defendant’s residence, the officers saw an injured dog in the backyard.

The defendant attempted to cause serious physical injury to his companion animal by shooting the dog in the head with a rifle. The weapon was seized and the defendant was placed under arrest. The injured dog, an approximately 7-year-old male German Shepard named “Sky,” was taken to the Orchard Park Veterinary Hospital to be treated for a single gunshot wound to its face. The dog was placed in the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County. “Sky,” who has since been adopted by a new owner, continues to recover from the injury.

Rutkowski faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when he is sentenced on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. He remains released under the supervision of the Probation Department. At his arraignment in Hamburg Town Court, Judge Carl Morgan imposed a temporary securing order that prohibits the defendant from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending prosecution.

DA Keane commends Lieutenant Scott Weyrough, Detective Nicholas Borowski, Officer John Bluman, Officer William Blette and Officer Ryan Dreyer of the Town of Hamburg Police Department for their work in this investigation as well as Chief Officer Lindsey Wood and the staff at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

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

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READ THE NEWS RELEASE ON THE ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE HERE >>

SPCA Treats Pet Owners to Tricks for Keeping Pets Safe This Halloween

October 19, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

WITH A FEW EXTRA PRECAUTIONS, PETS CAN HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN TOO!

Halloween is meant to be fun for children of all ages, but according to the SPCA Serving Erie County, pets often experience the dark side of Halloween fun.  With extra precautions, seasonal problems can often be avoided:

HUNGRY PETS:  CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO YOUR PET!  Please share this tip with children, who may be tempted to share their Halloween take with their best four-footed friends! The sweet smell of Halloween chocolate and other candy left by a door pleases pets, as do cookies and cakes served at Halloween parties. Sweets can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or worse.  Purchase Halloween treats made specifically for pets and keep the “people” treats away from where pets can reach them.


PETS AS VICTIMS:  Halloween is traditionally known for trick-or-treaters…and pranksters.  KEEP ALL PETS INSIDE on Halloween night, and the nights immediately preceding and following October 31.  This will prevent them from being stolen, teased, kicked, blinded by flashlights or abused in other ways.

NERVOUS/TERRITORIAL PETS:  Constant door-knocking or doorbell-ringing may cause an extremely nervous pet to shake or tremble uncontrollably, or have an “accident” in the house.  Territorial pets may become aggressive at the sound of unfamiliar visitors.  Keep nervous or territorial pets distracted in another room with the door closed.

CURIOUS PETS:  Keep pets away from costume-making areas, where sequins or buttons can be swallowed.  Scissors used for cutting patterns, or knives used for carving jack o’lanterns, can harm your pet.  Also remember to keep pets away from a candle-illuminated jack o’lantern.  Halloween has become a popular season for decorations as well.  Keep decorations out of your pet’s reach, or securely attached in place to prevent your pet from pulling the decorations down.  Swallowing a decorative object may cause intestinal problems and present a potential emergency.

KEEP CURRENT ID ON PETS: Exuberant or nervous pets may bolt out doors opened for trick-or-treat candy handouts. Ensure they are wearing proper identification (even if they are microchipped) in case they become lost. Collars are available for purchase at the Petique, located at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site, and other pet supply shops. If you lose or find a pet, visit the SPCA’s Lost & Found page for tips on what to do next.

Contact the SPCA Serving Erie County with any questions or concerns: (716) 875-7360.

SPCA Serving Erie County Big Mutt-tober

It’s here! The SPCA Serving Erie County is thrilled to announce our Big Mutt-tober adoption event, happening October 5 through October 31! 

To celebrate, adoption fees for all eligible large dogs (44+ pounds) are slashed by 50%!

How to Participate in Big Mutt-tober:

Finding your new best friend is easy!

– Browse our big dogs online: Visit our adoption page to see all the wonderful big dogs waiting to meet you!

– Visit the SPCA: Come to our shelter at 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca to meet them in person! Spend some time in a meet-and-greet room or outside in a play yard to get to know their personality. And remember, many dogs qualify for If The Fur Fits trial adoptions, and Doggie Entourage day-out excursions, if you’d like to get to know your dogs a little better outside the shelter!

– Talk with our team: Our knowledgeable adoption counselors and volunteers are here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect canine companion for your home and lifestyle!

More to Love! Why a Big Dog Might Be Your Perfect Match!

Thinking about adding a big dog to your family? There are so many reasons why they make incredible companions.

– Don’t let their size fool you! Many large dogs are calm, gentle giants whose favorite activity is curling up on the couch with their favorite people.

– If you love to hike, run, or explore the beautiful parks of Western New York, a big dog is the perfect partner to keep up with your active lifestyle!

– Many of the big dogs available for adoption are adults, and unlike puppies, adult dogs have already grown into their paws and their personalities. You’ll know their temperament and energy level from the start!

Ready to find your Big Mutt?

SPCA Serving Erie County animal cruelty investigations update

Sentencing Takes Place in Three Major SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigations

UPDATE, OCTOBER 9:
October 2026: Hamburg Man Pleads Guilty for Shooting His Dog In the Face

October 2, 2026 — The Erie County District Attorney’s Office has released details regarding developments in three animal cruelty investigations by SPCA Serving Erie County officers. In the documents, Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane repeatedly commends the work of the SPCA Serving Erie County officers, agents, and staff.

Click on the appropriate headline for the full story.

October 2026: Lackawanna Couple Sentenced for Animal Cruelty

September 2026: Couple Sentenced on Animal Cruelty Charge After Seizure of 53 Animals from Boston Homestead

September 2026: Brant Couple Sentenced on Animal Cruelty Charges

 

Northtown Subaru Shares the Love with the SPCA Serving Erie County

October’s Subaru Loves Pets Campaign & Adoption Event at Northtown Will Benefit Animals at the SPCA Serving Erie County

October 2, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Northtown Subaru in Amherst, longtime lover of animals and partner of the SPCA Serving Erie County, is celebrating its love for animals this October!

Northtown Subaru will donate $4000 to the SPCA as part of the Subaru Loves Pets campaign! The donation is being made in honor of the work the SPCA does to help make families complete through adoption, and the pet retention efforts made by the SPCA to keep pets with the families who love them.

Then buckle up, because Subaru’s love for pets continues at a special adoption event Saturday, Oct. 17! From 11 a.m. Woman with glasses holds up black and white kitten for man with glasses to kiss at Subaru Loves Pets adoption event at Northtown Subaru to benefit SPCA Serving Erie Countyto 3 p.m., the SPCA and Northtown Subaru are teaming up in Northtown’s showroom at 3930 Sheridan Drive in Amherst! Get ready to browse the most adorable showroom in town and find your match — whether you’re looking for a playful pup to ride shotgun or a cuddly cat co-pilot.

In all, both Northtown’s Subaru Loves Pets and Share The Love promotions have been responsible for not only finding loving homes for many SPCA temporary, four-footed residents, but they have raised more than $191,000 for SPCA animals since 2021. 

Additionally, through a regular spotlight on adoptable animals in their monthly emails, Northtown Subaru truly goes the extra mile to support the SPCA Serving Erie County.

In fact, according to Subaru, in 2025, a national record 839 hometown charities were supported, with over $18.6 million going to local organizations throughout the country.

“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.”

“Northtown Subaru’s incredible support allows us to provide life-saving care to animals in need,” said SPCA Associate Director of Corporate and Individual Giving Phillip Weiss. “Their generosity directly translates to more animals finding loving homes and receiving the second chance they deserve. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership!”

See adoptable animals at the SPCA >>

 

 

Buffalo’s First Community Microchip Scan Station Opens as a New Lifeline for Lost Pets

Residents in Erie County have a new tool to help reunite lost pets with their families. The SPCA Serving Erie County is proud to announce the installation of a new microchip scan station at the Resource Council of WNY, located at 347 East Ferry Street in Buffalo.

This installation marks the first of its kind in Erie County, providing a free, accessible resource for the community to assist potentially lost animals. This project was made possible with assistance from PetSmart Charities.

Getting Pets Home Faster

Microchips are often the quickest way to identify a lost pet and connect them with their owner. The new scan station makes this technology easily available to the public. If a resident finds a stray dog or cat, they can use the station to check for a microchip, which can often bypass the need to transport the animal to a veterinary or animal control office.

“We are thrilled to bring this resource directly into the community,” said SPCA Serving Erie County President and CEO Cait Daly. “By placing a microchip scan station in an accessible location like the Resource Council, we’re empowering residents to take immediate action to help lost pets get back home.”

“When someone finds a lost pet, they want to help, but they don’t always have the means to drive to a shelter or a vet clinic,” said Catherine Roberts, President and CEO of the Resource Council of WNY. “Hosting this microchip scan station allows us to serve as a convenient, trusted hub where neighbors can take immediate action to reunite families with their pets.”

“Accessibility isn’t just about offering a service; it’s about where and how we offer it,” says Tyler Robertson, the SPCA’s Strategic Initiatives and Program Manager. “By placing this station directly on East Ferry Street with our partners at the Resource Council, we are empowering residents to help their neighbors when their pets are suddenly unexpectedly missing.”

How to Use the Scan Station

The scan station is designed for ease of use. If you find a stray animal, please follow these steps:

– Start at the animal’s shoulder blades, (the most common site for a chip), and move the scanner slowly in an “S” shape across the entire body.

– Microchips can move and shift, so be sure to scan the neck, legs, and back as well.

– If a chip isn’t found, try scanning again at a different angle.

– Once a microchip number appears, enter the number into a universal microchip lookup site to find the owner’s information or the microchip company’s contact details.

What to Do If a Microchip Isn’t Found

If a microchip isn’t found, the SPCA encourages residents to utilize local lost-and-found pet groups on Facebook like WNY Lost & Found Pets, Pet Alert of WNY, WNY Lost and Found Pets, and Lost and Found Pets of WNY. For dogs found within the City of Buffalo, please contact the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter at (716) 851-5694.

For more information on scanning animals or to view additional resources, visit our Microchip Scan Station page.

Australian Shepherd mix with American football on sofa

TOUCHDOWN!
Hayley Beane & Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Continue Bills Muttfia for SPCA Serving Erie County Animals

September 14, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Give in honor of the Beanes and help their Bills Muttfia rookies HERE! >>

Brandon and Hayley Beane (and family) sponsor Bills Muttfia at the SPCA Serving Erie County!
Brandon & Hayley Beane

Further proof that the best team in Buffalo saves lives together!

For the seventh year in a row, Hayley and Buffalo Bills’ General ManagerBrandon and Hayley Beane (and family) sponsor Bills Muttfia at the SPCA Serving Erie County! Bills Muttfia logo dog cat football Brandon Beane will feature the Bills Muttfia program at the SPCA Serving Erie County!*

For every home game touchdown scored by the Buffalo Bills, the Beanes will make a $100 donation towards the care of an animal at the SPCA!* This means that, while ‘rookies’ drafted into Bills Muttfia are at the SPCA, a portion of their care has been sponsored by the Beanes. 

Brandon Beane on sofa in a house with pet dogs Chipper and Daisy Mae, chihuahuas, and Tilly the pomsky
Brandon Beane in a rare, relaxing moment with pets Chipper, Daisy Mae, and Tilly

“With the SPCA’s shift toward accepting animals most at-risk, we’ve noticed an increase in care costs while animals are with us,” says SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly. “These donations from the Beanes help the SPCA provide what is required for ‘rookies’ in need of more extensive care while still allowing adopters the ability to adopt at a fraction of what the animal would have cost otherwise. Our basic adoptions include spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchips, testing, deworming, temporary identification for dogs and cats, the pet’s first visit to a veterinarian after adoption, and more. The Beanes help the animals of our community by affording the SPCA the ability to provide a significant amount of vital care to animals more in-need, leading to faster adoptions into loving homes.”

Give in honor of the Beanes and help their Bills Muttfia rookies HERE! >>

Dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, even farm animals will be drafted into the Bills Muttfia.  New Muttfia team members and their stories will be announced on the SPCA’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) the week after each home game.*

“Bills Muttfia is an excellent way to highlight and bring attention to the animals being cared for by the SPCA Serving Erie County,” said Hayley. “It has also been so fun to be involved and wait to see which animals will be drafted into Bills Muttfia!”

Win tickets to the Bills/Miami game Nov. 22! >>

Hayley Beane giving Chipper, Daisy Mae, and Tilly treats
Daisy Mae, Chipper, and Tilly get treats from mom Hayley

Hayley adds, “If you go and visit the SPCA, you’ll be hooked like I was. The tireless work that is done there by the warm, friendly, compassionate staff is really remarkable to see. From assisting animals that are involved in abuse cases to rehabilitating injured wildlife that find their way to the SPCA…it is a wonderful thing to witness and I’m so thankful for them!”

“No matter what happens at work, good day, bad day, you win 40 to nothing, lose 40 to nothing, your dogs are fired up to see you when you come in the door, and that’s a cool feeling, the love and nurturing that they bring to the family,” Brandon stated in a BuffaloBills.com video focused on the Beanes and the importance of pet adoption.

The Beanes not only talk the adoption talk, but they walk the walk. One Muttfia draft pick, a guinea pig named Sherman, was adopted by Hayley in December of 2021. The family soon became larger, with the adoptions of guinea pig Percy and one of Percy’s [surprise] babies, Coco Beane!

Sherman, Percy, and Coco Beane adopted by Brandon and Hayley Beane, bringing Bills Muttfia back to the SPCA Serving Erie County. Photos of guinea pigs posing for the camera.
Sherman, Percy, and Coco Beane

Another excellent lineup of SPCA animal rookies are waiting to be drafted during the ’26 – ’27 Bills Muttfia season, which begins with the Buffalo Bills’ first home game against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8:15 p.m.

“Brandon and I are so excited to start another season of Bills Muttfia!”  Hayley remarks. “We love rescues, plus, it is heartwarming and inspiring to see the wonderful work done by the SPCA Serving Erie County. We can’t wait for lots of touchdowns!” 

Brandon and Hayley Beane (and family) sponsor Bills Muttfia at the SPCA Serving Erie County!
The Beane Family

*Please note: Animal adoption fees are paid by adopters.

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.

Community Engagement Specialist

Humane Educator (Per Diem)

Licensed Veterinary Technician

NYS Peace Officer

Veterinary Assistant, Lipsey 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

 

Yorkie puppy with football wants you to win Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphin tickets from the SPCA Serving Erie County

BUFFALO BILLS VS MIAMI DOLPHINS
TICKET GIVEAWAY

The best team in Buffalo saves lives together!

And now, when you give animals a second chance, you could score the chance to experience the Buffalo Bills live!

The SPCA Serving Erie County will be randomly selecting one lucky winner to receive TWO tickets to the November 22, 2026 Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins game at the all-new Highmark Stadium!

The two seats will be located in Section 148, Row 14
(value: $1,000 for the pair).
Game time: 1 p.m.

Enter to win your tickets here >>

Entry period runs September 13 – November 13.
Multiple entries allowed.
WINNER SELECTED NOVEMBER 14.

QUESTIONS?
Please email donations@yourspca.org or call 716-875-7360, ext. 243 or 227.

Dogs in football jerseys with football for Buffalo Bills game

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