Hamburg Man Arraigned on Felony Animal Cruelty Charge for Intentionally Injuring Puppy


UPDATE, August 5, 2022 — 
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Kyle J. Ribarich of Hamburg was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to 3 years’ probation.

On November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused injuries to a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy under his care. The defendant threw the dog to the ground and hit the dog with his hand and closed fist several times. The incident occurred inside of a home in the Town of Hamburg. The dog was taken to a veterinarian by the owner and underwent surgery for a broken leg.

Ribarich pleaded guilty to one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law), the highest sustainable charge, on May 20, 2022.

The defendant will also not be able to own an animal for the next three years and a final order of protection was issued for the owner of the injured dog and her daughter.

DA Flynn commends Special Agent William Heine of the SPCA Serving Erie County for his work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.


UPDATE, May 20, 2022 — Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Kyle Ribarich of Hamburg pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge of one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals (a Class A Misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law).

On November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused injuries to a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy under his care by throwing the dog to the ground multiple times. The defendant also hit the dog with his hand and closed fist several times. The incident occurred inside of a home in the Town of Hamburg. The dog was taken to a veterinarian by the owner to undergo surgery for a broken leg.

Ribarich faces a maximum of one year in jail when he is sentenced on August 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to remain released on his own recognizance as the charge is non-qualifying for bail.

A temporary order of protection remains in effect for the owner of the injured dog.

DA Flynn commends Special Agent William Heine of the SPCA Serving Erie County for his work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.


 

November 19, 2021 — Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Kyle Ribarich of Hamburg was arraigned yesterday morning before Hamburg Town Justice Carl W. Morgan on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony).

It is alleged that on November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally injured a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy under his care by throwing the dog to the ground multiple times. The defendant is also accused of hitting the dog with his hand and closed fist several times. The alleged incident occurred inside a home in the Town of Hamburg.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian by the owner to undergo surgery for a broken leg.

Ribarich is scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference He remains released on his own recognizance as the charge is non-qualifying for bail.

Judge Morgan issued an order of protection for the owner of the injured dog.

If convicted of the charge, Ribarich faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

DA Flynn commends Special Agent William Heine of the SPCA Serving Erie County for his work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney 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.

Full story on website of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn >>

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

SPCA Rescues Juvenile Bald Eagle from Angola; Bird is the Second Eagle in Critical Condition Brought to SPCA Since Friday

August 1, 2022
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca and SPCA Communications Manager Bethany Kloc

UPDATE, August 9 — Sad news was just shared by Barbara Haney. Unfortunately, both eagles have passed. On Thursday, August 4, Wildlife Department staff arrived in the morning to find that the Angola eagle had passed during the night. On Sunday, August 7, again staff arrived to find the eagle that was brought to us by the DEC had passed during the night. Haney states that, despite the best efforts and expert care on the part of the team, the health of both eagles was extremely compromised, and despite the very poor prognosis, everything possible was done to save their lives.

She adds, “We never really understood what was making them sick. Eagles are often the ‘canaries in the coal mine’ when it comes to the health of our environment. They are susceptible to toxins in the environment because of their ability to be opportunistic and often acting like scavengers. They’ll eat morsels of garbage and roadkill. These were both young birds too and they probably got into trouble in that way. Our environment is ripe with chemicals that can cause some issues with these sensitive birds. Pesticides, dyes, gasoline, plastic, lead, heavy metals, and bromine-based herbicides can all cause serious illness to eagles. National Audubon has stated that we’ve lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970 and, going forward, it looks like [there will be more] birds dying from unknown causes, just like these two eagles, as we continue to lose more birds due to anthropomorphic causes. In addition, our warming climate has the potential to increase the prevalence of insect born diseases like Avian Malaria and West Nile Virus. We will be sending their carcasses to DEC for further testing so that their lives can continue to teach us and help us to save our precious birds of WNY.”


UPDATE, August 2 — Wildlife Director Barbara Haney states that the prognosis for both eagles is extremely poor. In fact, the eagle found in Angola has aspergillosis and elevated lead levels. We will continue to update this page with further developments.



Late this afternoon, SPCA Serving Erie County Officer Lindsey Wood rescued a juvenile bald eagle from Angola, NY and rushed it to the SPCA’s Wildlife Department, where it is currently receiving a preliminary exam by staff there.

Earlier today, SPCA officers received a call from Town of Evans Dog Control Officer Michael Franey. He said there was an eagle down in the woods at the end of his street, and was concerned because he was able to walk up to the bird without the bird flying away. Franey asked that SPCA officers assess the situation.

Officer Wood, with invaluable assistance by Franey and Drew Supon, a resident at the property, was able to safely confine the eagle.

A preliminary assessment by SPCA Wildlife Department staff states the bird is extremely thin with burns on its feet. A full examination is happening at this time, and we will update this page with additional information this week.


At the time of this writing, information was shared on another bald eagle already under the care of the SPCA Wildlife Department. That bird was brought to the SPCA Serving Erie County Friday morning, July 29.

Moments ago, SPCA Wildlife Director Barbara Haney shared with us information on a call that was received late last week by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC representatives told members of the SPCA Wildlife Department that they received a call to pick up a deceased eagle. Upon arrival, they realized the eagle was very ill, but breathing, and they rushed the eagle to our Wildlife hospital Friday morning. (That eagle is pictured here with SPCA Veterinarian Dr. Karen Slote.)

Haney states, “Although the bird is still in critical condition, we are cautiously optimistic as he has made it through the weekend. He was so weak that he couldn’t stand, lift his head, or open his eyes. There have been minor improvements and he is a bit feistier! That is good news. What we know is that there are no fractures of any bones and the lead levels are normal. We are treating the eagle for head trauma and an [IV solution] should help draw out any swelling of the brain. Although we have seen some improvement, this eagle is still also very much in critical condition.”

This page will be updated this week with the progress of the eagle brought to the SPCA by the DEC Friday, in addition to the eagle rescued by the SPCA’s Officer Wood today.

You can help the SPCA save area wildlife >>

See the full story with charts and photos >>

 

                                                                                     MEDIA RELEASE
 
 

July 22, 2022
CONTACT: Kara Kane / kara.kane@erie.gov / (716) 858-4941

                                                                                                                                                                   

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN – RABIES VACCINE BAIT DROP SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AUGUST 1

 

Fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and vector control staff on the ground will distribute bite-size rabies vaccine for wildlife populations in Western New York

 

ERIE COUNTY – As it has done in previous years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Rabies Management Program is partnering with the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) to distribute rabies vaccine to wildlife populations this summer.

 

Oral rabies vaccine – small green packets the size of a quarter coin – will be dropped from helicopters from August 1-5. Ground bait distribution in urban and suburban areas of Erie County will begin around August 1 as well. Fixed wing aircraft will run from about August 15-18 for counties in Western New York: Erie, Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. This schedule is dependent on weather conditions.

 

“Protecting pets with a rabies vaccine is easy enough with a visit to the veterinarian or one of our free rabies vaccine clinics,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Vaccinating wildlife in all corners of the county is much more challenging. But with the USDA and its oral rabies vaccination (ORV) program, animals like raccoons, skunks and foxes – which are reservoirs for rabies virus – are protected against this deadly disease. This adds another layer of protection against rabies for pets and for humans.”

 

“We need to be vigilant when it comes to preventing rabies in wildlife populations,” said Senior Public Health Sanitarian Peter Tripi, who manages the county’s Vector Control Program. “By reducing the risk of this disease in wild animals, we are adding an additional line of defense to protect pet health and public health. I greatly appreciate the effective partnership that ECDOH and the USDA have forged, with them in the sky and us on the ground.”

 

Residents who come in contact with wildlife vaccine packets can call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line (888) 574-6656 with questions or concerns.

·         Do NOT disturb vaccine packets. Most packets are eaten within four days; almost all baits will be gone within a week. If packets are not found and eaten, they will harmlessly dissolve and exposed vaccine will become inactivated. If you must move a vaccine packet, wear gloves or use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick it up. Place any damaged baits in the trash; throw intact baits into a wooded area or other raccoon/wildlife habitat.

·         Residents should WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY if they come into direct contact with the vaccine or packets, then call the NYSDOH Rabies Information Line at (888) 574-6656.

 

Additional recommendations include:

·         Supervise children’s outdoor activities during bait distribution and for one week afterward.

·         Confine dogs and cats indoors and observe leash laws during the bait distribution interval and for one week afterward. This will increase the probability of raccoon vaccination and decrease the chance of pets finding the baits.

·         Baits and vaccines are not harmful to domestic animals. However, an animal may vomit if it consumes several baits.

·         Residents should not risk being bitten while trying to remove bait from your pet’s mouth.

 

Image of oral rabies vaccine bait, front and back, next to a quarter coin to show size.

 

New York State map showing 2022 oral rabies vaccination zones.

 

#

Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) Rabies, Rodents, Arboviruses and Related Information: https://www3.erie.gov/health/rabies-rodents-vectors-arboviruses-and-related-information  

New York State Department of Health, Rabies: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rabies: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

###

 

Abandoned Dog Found in Extremely Critical Condition; SPCA Officers Asking for Information on Owner

July 23-26, 2022
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SAD UPDATE, July 26 — We must share very sad news regarding Faye in this update. Our hearts are breaking. Early this morning we thought we had a positive update to share on Faye and her survival through another night. Sadly, our veterinary team received an urgent call from the team at the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Cheektowaga. Faye had lapsed into respiratory distress.

Despite the expert care Faye was receiving, Faye’s respiratory system was being impacted by severe inflammation and probable fluid accumulation in the lungs causing her distress. This can often occur after a dog has been subjected to a traumatic injury, and it may be very rapid. In her case, this condition, her breed as a brachycephalic dog (a dog with a shortened or “smushed face”), and the compounding effects of her trauma all led medical providers to a heart-wrenching decision. We had to release Faye from her pain and suffering.

SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth shared, “Faye received such high-quality, professional, and loving medical care at the end of her life. She was able to pass humanely, surrounded by loving and compassionate humans who did everything in their power to save her.”

To all of you who cared about this dog, loved her, prayed for her, donated towards her care, a mere thank you cannot compare to the level of affection and concern you exhibited. It’s our belief that there is no way Faye didn’t, on some level, feel the thoughts, energy, and prayers headed her way these few days. Because of the actions taken by those who initially found her, the work of rescue officers, the care of compassionate veterinary teams, and because of the concern exhibited by all of you, rather than continuing to suffer alone for who knows how much longer, this beautiful girl knew peace, comfort, warmth, and love during her final days. There is no level of thanks we could offer that comes close to the value of what you provided; you gave us the ability to try to save her.

[We are still hoping for additional leads, including anonymous tips, in this case and remind those with any information to contact our officers at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.]

As Melanie reminds us, “While we all hoped for a positive turn of events for Faye, we can still be grateful that we all were able to be involved with her rescue and end-of-life care. As we navigate the rest of this case, we can be confident that justice for Faye is the ultimate motivation behind this investigation that we hope will lead to answers associated with her trauma, abandonment, and ultimate death. Faye is a sad  reminder of why organizations like the SPCA Serving Erie County exist, and why support from the community is imperative. Faye’s life mattered. The quality of her end-of-life care mattered.

“We are privileged and fortunate to be a part of such a supportive community that finds value in the humane treatment of pets and the place they hold in our hearts.”



UPDATE, July 25 —
Fay survived the night and is still in the care of the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic. Veterinarians there have been in constant communication with veterinarians at the SPCA Serving Erie County. Faye has started responding to treatment for a severe infection, but in addition to the other trauma she has experienced, she is still in critical condition with a guarded prognosis. At this time, Faye will remain under the 24-hour care of this emergency team in this facility equipped to treat and monitor her condition round-the-clock. Decisions are being made hour-by-hour based on how Faye responds to treatments and medications. One again, anyone with information on Faye or on those responsible for her condition  is encouraged to call SPCA Officers Wood or Maleskis at 716-875-7360, ext. 214. Officers will respond to anonymous tips. 


UPDATE, 7 a.m. July 24 —Overnight, Officer Wood received news from the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic that Faye’s initial tests and bloodwork results are not favorable. There is increased concern regarding her survival and infection that may have surpassed the point of treatment. Discussion is ongoing between clinic veterinarians and the SPCA’s veterinary team. As we learn more we will provide updates. More than ever, the SPCA would like any information surrounding Faye and who may be responsible for her suffering. We will respond to anonymous tips. Anyone with information is encouraged to call SPCA Officers Wood or Maleskis at 716-875-7360, ext. 214.


July 23, 2022 — The SPCA is searching for information on a severely injured dog found yesterday that was left abandoned on Saint Joseph Avenue near West Shore and Fay Street in the city of Buffalo. The dog had a brutally-injured right front leg and was near death upon arrival by SPCA Animal Cruelty Officers Lindsey Wood and Jennifer Maleskis.

Wood and Maleskis rushed the dog to the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Cheektowaga in critical condition. The dog survived amputation surgery and her first night at the clinic but her caretakers are careful to share with us that she is still in an extremely compromised state.

SPCA staff visited the dog, now named “Faye,” this afternoon, and she managed to wag her tail and was even able to eat a bit. The staff at the clinic tells us she is on heavy pain medication, and there is still no certainty as to whether she will survive; they are awaiting test results which will determine Faye’s levels of infection and illness. For now, however, Faye is resting comfortably and is receiving much love and care.

Thank you to the staff at the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Cheektowaga for taking wonderful care of Faye.

If you recognize this dog, or know who the owners are, please contact SPCA Officers Wood or Maleskis at 716-875-7360 ext. 214. Officers will respond to anonymous tips.

You can help the SPCA provide care and comfort to suffering animals like sweet Faye. To contribute, please visit YourSPCA.org/YelpforHelp

Help the SPCA provide care and comfort to suffering animals >>

 

We’re having a ball with this program and right now, this page is a diamond in the ruff! But we don’t want to leave you high and dry, so here’s some preliminary information!

Q: WHAT’S DOGGIE ENTOURAGE?
A: It’s a program to get dogs out of the SPCA for a few hours (or the whole day!) so people out in the public meet our adoptable dogs!

Q: HOW WILL YOU DO THAT?
A: SPCA dogs will be out and about with their entourage of staff members and volunteers! You’ll see them at places like farmers’ markets, stores, ice cream stands, popular outdoor hang outs — all kinds of safe places where fun people and potential, new adopters gather!

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY DOGGIE ENTOURAGE EVENTS SCHEDULED RIGHT NOW?
A: We sure do!

Elmwood Village Farmers Market
– Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seneca One Summer Jam Series
– Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
– Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Old Scotland Road Distillery Cruise Night
– Friday, Aug. 19 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

More Entourage Dates/Locations/Info >>

Q: HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE THE DOGGIE ENTOURAGE WILL BE NEXT?
A: We’ll be sharing that information on our social media platforms and on this page!

Q: WHAT IF I MISS THE DOGGIE ENTOURAGE? HOW WILL I KNOW ABOUT THE DOG?
A: A couple days after the entourage, look at our social media platforms! You’ll find an excerpt from each’s dog’s travel journal detailing the entourage experience!

Q: I WANT TO BE AN ENTOURAGE VOLUNTEER? WHAT DO I DO?
A: Right now the entourage is full with volunteers, but as the program grows, we’ll let you know!

We’ll definitely need you soon as the program grows, so please keep your eye on this page and on our social media platforms for updates and announcements!

Q: I WANT TO BE VISITED BY THE DOGGIE ENTOURAGE! WHAT DO I DO?
A: When there are new openings for Doggie Entourage visits, we’ll be sure to post instructions on how to request an entourage on this page and on our social media platforms!

Q: IT SEEMS LIKE THERE MIGHT BE OTHER ELEMENTS TO THE PROGRAM? CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THEM?
A: Whoa, it sounds like you’re as excited as we are about this program! To answer your questions, there will definitely be more elements! We’ve launched Doggie Entourage with our neighborhood doggie visits, but there’s more to come…MUCH more! (Have we told you how much we love your enthusiasm?!)

Keep watching YourSPCA.org/Entourage for updates and information!

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in SPCA Serving Erie County to
Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in Erie County, New York

$25,000 grant was celebrated at local Petco event on July 21, 2022

 West Seneca, NY (July 2022) – The SPCA Serving Erie County received a $25,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love during a special celebration at West Seneca Petco in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Erie County.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $330 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with 6.5 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in the SPCA Serving Erie County is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently celebrated the one-year launch anniversary of Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses pet facial recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“Of course, you can never predict when an emergency veterinary situation presents itself, but with this gift, Petco Love is giving the opportunity to ensure that pets stay with their families instead of being surrendered to our shelter or to another rescue organization,” said Bethany Kloc, Bethany Kloc, SPCA communications manager.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is committed to addressing the problems of violence, neglect, and apathy – problems that impact not only animals, but people of all ages, races, and income groups. Our priority as a humane society is to teach lessons of kindness and caring at every opportunity. By providing services for people and animals, we empower individuals to become caring, competent, responsible citizens who value animals as vital parts of our community. We foster a kind and gentle environment for the people and animals who come to our shelter seeking our protection. As the premier animal welfare agency in our community, we lend help to all who need it. Last year, the SPCA oversaw the adoption of more than 4,400 animals, the Wildlife Department cared for more than 3,800 animals, the Humane Education Department provided programs and services for thousands of adults and children, and SPCA Officers went out on 1,450 investigation calls. The SPCA has recently become a Human Animal Support Services (HASS) partner, ensuring that people and pets stay together.

Don’t Get Sick! Check for Ticks!

July 6, 2022
By: SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth

There is a universal belief that there is no better place to be in the summertime than Western NY.  There are so many fun, recreational things to do, and the weather couldn’t be better.  There are picnics and festivals and hiking opportunities galore.

And there are also ticks.  And with ticks, there is the threat of Lyme disease.

There’s no reason for these pests to keep anyone inside during these warm months.  Know what to do to avoid ticks, and you can set yourself up to keep enjoying summer as planned.

According to Cornell.edu, “Ticks are arachnids closely related to mites and spiders. They have four life stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. All stages of ticks (except eggs) feed on blood for energy to grow and later to reproduce. Larval ticks have six legs, while nymph and adult ticks have eight legs. Three tick species are a human health concern in New York: the blacklegged tick, the lone star tick, and the American dog tick.”

The most common tick in WNY is the blacklegged, or deer tick.  Cornell.edu tells us, “The blacklegged tick requires high humidity or moisture to survive. Therefore, this tick is most often found in the forest and at the forest edge where tree cover, dense vegetation and leaf litter provide a moist environment. This tick will search for hosts typically below adult knee-height by holding onto vegetation with their front legs out as hosts pass by, a behavior known as questing.”

A unique characteristic with ticks is that they don’t die in the cold winter months that are common in the WNY region.  They merely demonstrate a behavior closely resembling hibernation.  The question “Do ticks die in the winter?” is answered this way by Cornell.edu:  “Ticks are adapted to the Northeast climate, having lived here for thousands of years. Therefore, they have behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow them to survive adverse conditions including winter cold and summer heat.”

During the cold winter months, there have been cases that describe just the heat from one’s body being enough to “wake up” the ticks on a forest floor should someone decide to sit to rest if out on a hike in the cold weather.  Tick checks should just become as common as checking to see if your keys are in your pocket.  Make it a habit and it will become one!

So, instead of burrowing in your home for the rest of the summer, let’s talk about some ways to make sure you and your furry friends don’t become the next home for a tick.  Or, if that does happen, what you can do to stay safe and not get sick.

First, apply tick repellent to your skin and clothing, especially your shoes and socks. Wear long pants and pull your socks over your pant leg. When you’re out hiking or adventuring, stay on a trail.  Ticks don’t jump or fly, but they will latch onto you from tall grasses by way of questing as mentioned earlier.  All of those awesome smells your dog is finding when he runs off of the trail?  There very well may be a tick lurking and waiting for the perfect furry host to grab onto.

When you come home, make sure you do a thorough tick check, focusing on your thighs, groin area and the back of your head. Then shower. Also, put the clothing you wore outside in the dryer at high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be hiding. As far as searching for these little predators on your dog, check all over, but spend a little extra time on the warmer, darker parts of the dog, like the “armpits” and areas between toes.  Feel for small bumps and look for little blacks dots. 

Since dogs are much less likely to stay on the trail, ticks can hide in long hair and thick fur. Make sure you talk to your veterinarian about vaccines and other prevention methods.  If you treat fleas and ticks as year-round issues, which they are, preventing the negative effects can be a breeze.

If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, use tweezers to pull it straight out. Position the tweezers directly under the spot where the tick is attached to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick. Upon removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.  Should this sound too intimidating, contact your veterinarian immediately upon finding a tick.  Time is important, because ticks get busy quickly.

While we encourage all cat owners to keep their cats indoors at all times because of all of the hazards that cats can encounter outside, should you have a cat that does go outside (or your share your home with a dog that gets along with the cat), you should be checking for ticks on your cat as well.  Lyme disease is not as big a concern for cat owners as it is for humans and dog owners. Cornell.edu says, “Although the bacteria that cause Lyme disease is capable of infecting cats, the disease has never been seen in a cat outside of a laboratory setting.”

In short, don’t let ticks ruin your fun at any point in the year.  Just begin a preventative regime with your pets (talk to your veterinarian about what would be best for you, because there are a lot of great options!) and be aware of where to look once you get back from an outdoor adventure.

An unsuspecting ally in the war on ticks is also our friend the opossum.  Should you see these little guys in your yard, don’t fret!  In fact, celebrate them.  Opossum are slow-moving and attract ticks that cling to their fur.  The opossum then eat the ticks, along with just about anything else.  Given the low body temperature of the opossum, these animals are very unlikely to carry rabies.  Next time you see an opossum moving through your yard, just give him a nod.  He’s there to help.

Stay safe out there!

More on ticks from Cornell.edu >>

Ticks and cats >>

See this story on WGRZ-TV >>

Click on the image below to watch the full story, featuring SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth:

Read more about tick checks >>

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

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