SPCA DOG ADOPTIONS REOPEN AFTER TEMPORARY PAUSE THIS MONTH
UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 21 — Dog adoptions will reopen today at the SPCA Serving Erie County.
This comes to us from SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth:
“Starting 9/21, the SPCA Serving Erie County will slowly reopen our canine adoption center to facilitate adoptions of the recovered or exposed and quarantined dogs to help reduce our population.
The SPCA Serving Erie County has recently seen multiple cases of complicated upper respiratory disease including life-threatening pneumonia. Our testing so far identified Canine Pneumovirus as well as Canine Adenovirus 2 and Mycoplasma cynos on Idexx Respiratory PCR. These dogs were all vaccinated on intake with a 5-way DHPP and an intranasal trivalent Bordetella vaccine. With the assistance of Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at University of Florida we were able to obtain more information on this newer virus, and wanted to share as much information as possible in case this is running through the general population.
Canine Pneumovirus
-First identified in 2010
-Considered part of CIRD (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex) “kennel cough” which also includes Bordetella, Canine Adenovirus, Canine parainfluenza
-Incubation period <1 week – avg 2 to 5 days
-ShedS <10 days and starts prior to visible clinical signs
-Recovery 1 to 2 weeks
-Isolation of cases is key to preventing additional cases – increases in cases are likely due to importation of dogs from higher density areas and overcrowding in shelter
-There is no vaccine nor likely to be one
-Treatment is symptomatic – treat for cough, secondary infections, pneumonia; most recover with minimal interventionWe treated our shelter dogs’ pneumonia cases with Baytril and Clavamox for 14 days, but Doxycycline seemed to help clear the Mycoplasma. Each dog in our care was quarantined for 10 days minimum to assess for symptoms. Only one bulldog required in hospital IV fluid and antibiotic therapy as well as nebulization.
The SPCA Serving Erie County worked with local municipalities and foster homes to halt the physical intake of dogs on 9/9 when we identified multiple cases. We have been diligently monitoring the situation, treating aggressively and no new pneumonia cases have been identified in more than a week. We have rescheduled local dog surrenders due to this issue and will be prioritizing the local community needs before we consider bringing in transport dogs from other states.
Concerning cats, Panleukopenia is also currently going through the stray/public feline population at a significant rate. We experienced an exposure situation in the shelter a few weeks back but were able to quickly identify and isolate. Our cat adoption center is open and currently doing well. We are being vigilant with intake testing for this disease to prevent exposures. (Incidentally, ringworm has also been seen at increased rates in the stray/public population.) ”
In an effort to properly address the pneumonia affecting our shelter population, the SPCA consulted directly with Clinical Assistant Professor in Shelter Medicine and Director of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program Dr. Cynda Crawford at the University of Florida. Dr. Crawford’s areas of expertise include diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of infectious diseases in dogs and cats in sheltering facilities. She focuses on the diagnosis and management of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections in shelter dogs. Dr. Crawford’s accomplishments include discovery of canine influenza virus and development of the canine influenza vaccine. Educational achievements include partnering with Dr Julie Levy to develop the Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine for advanced training of veterinary students in the knowledge and skills to serve as veterinarians in shelters.
Rushforth added, “In learning about the situation affecting animal health at the SPCA, Dr. Crawford commented that this is not unique to our facility, and nationwide, shelters are facing significant challenges with infectious diseases and overpopulation issues as well as staffing shortages. Dr. Crawford also commended our quick response to the medical situation faced at our shelter, and called our ability to reopen adoptions in this period of time good news and a sign that the situation is being managed properly.”
September 9, 2021 — This week, we experienced more than one case of dog pneumonia at the SPCA Serving Erie County.
The SPCA is responding to this in a number of different ways, including a change in how staff members and volunteers interact with animals in the building.
We are carefully observing the animals for any early signs of illness and immediately administering early treatment if necessary, and expanding our deep-cleaning protocols to rectify this situation.
There’s quite a bit involved in containing and clearing the shelter of an infectious disease, but it’s imperative we do so to protect our current population while not putting animals outside the shelter at risk. This is why we’ve chosen to pause dog adoptions.
“Outbreaks of this nature are unfortunately not uncommon in animal sheltering, especially when part of our mission is to serve sick and injured animals,” says SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth. “Our team of professional caretakers has increased safety protocols to ensure we contain this, and our quick response will have a positive effect on the health of both our current and future population.”
Some unfamiliar with infectious diseases may consider pausing dog adoptions an over-the-top response to the situation, but SPCA Serving Erie County representatives believe the situation calls for this extreme of a response. We cannot take a chance on someone transporting the virus on shoes or clothing simply by walking through our kennels, thus putting animals at home at risk. And we know we cannot place our dogs in homes right now if there is a chance they may have been infected.
The choice to pause dog adoptions for a minimum of one week gives us time to monitor the health of our dogs while fully clearing the shelter of this illness.
“We encourage all pet owners to stay up-to-date on preventive medicine for their pets,” Rushforth added. “We all play a role in decreasing a pandemic of any nature.”
At the end of next week officials at the SPCA will reevaluate the situation and determine whether dog adoptions need to remain paused beyond September 19. While it’s possible the pause date may have to be extended, we of course are hoping this will not be necessary.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer
The SPCA’s Miranda Workman Receives PhD from UB
September 20, 2021 — Congratulations to SPCA Serving Erie County Director of Behavior & Research Miranda K. Workman, PhD, on those new and exciting letters after her name!
Miranda’s PhD in Sociology was conferred August 31 from the University at Buffalo! Her focus was on human-animal-environment entanglements/relationships; in fact, her dissertation was a qualitative research project entitled Are Fluffy and Fido Family? Negotiating Multi-species Families.
Equally-interesting are the two theses Miranda completed in receiving her 2014 Canisius College Masters of Science degree in Anthrozoology, one to investigate euthanasia decision-making processes at the group and individual levels in animal shelters, and the other, how click rates on online photographs of cats available for adoption were related to how long a cat was on the adoption floor, which was published. Miranda was also elected to the American Sociological Association’s Animals & Society Section Council, and is an adjunct professor for Canisius College teaching Anthrozoology.
The SPCA Serving Erie County congratulates Dr. Workman on her latest accomplishment, and is thrilled to have her on its team!
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer
Exciting August in Admissions!
September 20, 2021 — Not all humane societies in the country are able to accept stray cats, but the SPCA Serving Erie County is one of the shelters that, when population allows, does. On a national level, of the humane societies that do accept strays, for several reasons, it is unusual for owners to find stray cats in a shelter setting.
That is why August was an extra-exciting month for our team at the Admissions desk!
Here’s the story as told by our own Patty Ralabate:
“On August 13, a stray brown/tabby cat was brought to us by a nice man named Tyler who found her on Elmwood and Forest [in Buffalo]. She appeared be about 10 years old and was sick with nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing, and she had a ‘cauliflowered’ ear and needed a dental due to a broken canine and tarter. Due to her medical conditions, she was admitted and we started treatment with antibiotics for the duration of her stray hold.
When the cat’s stray hold was up, it was determined that we would give her dental surgery and put her up for adoption. She cleared stray time on August 16, but needed to finish her antibiotics, so that time was extended until August 19. At that point, we worked her into the surgical schedule for her dental surgery.
We named her Jiggles. On Monday, August 30, I was checking messages, and her finder, Tyler, left a message very late in the day stating that he had seen a lost cat flier describing the cat he found, and the flier was posted near where he had found her. He wondered if the cat was still with us. I looked and sure enough, she was still here being cared for; I left a message for Tyler letting him know the cat was here. Tyler called back with the name and number of the potential owner. [SPCA Admissions staff member] Tammi called the owner, and it appeared to be a match!
And here’s the rest of the story: Jiggles’ possible owner, Molly, and her girls came to the SPCA to confirm Jiggles was actually their cat, and it was! This cat is named Sesame, and she actually is 19 years old and deeply loved by all in the family. It seems Molly was out of town when the cat went missing earlier in the month.
Molly and Tyler have also been in touch, and much gratitude has been expressed all around!
Sesame is now happily back at home in Buffalo after her adventure!”
More from Patty!
“On August 16, our Dispatch desk received a call from a person stating a black and white cat was hit by a car on Southwestern Blvd. in Orchard Park.
We went out, found the cat, and brought it back to the SPCA for care. The cat had a broken jaw which we wired on August 17; the cat was then placed on pain meds and placed in our cat ICU ward to recover.
Stray time cleared on August 21. We named the cat Devon, and on August 30, while Devon was still in ICU recovery, a woman came in to report her cat lost (which almost NEVER happens). Her cat had been missing for two weeks. Tammi, being wonderful Tammi and not just doing a computer search looking for lost/found reports, took the owner’s phone with a photo of her cat and walked throughout the building and staff-only areas in the hopes of making a match. Sure enough, there recovering in cat ICU was her cat, Devon, whose real name is Hunter!
Hunter is now home with his owner and will be visiting soon to have his wire removed!”
It’s safe to say that the Animal Admissions team has been busy not only admitting animals to the SPCA, but taking those extra steps to foster some very happy reunions! Thanks to all involved in bringing these families back together!
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THE SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY WHEN YOU DECIDED TO BRING HOME A NEW FAMILY MEMBER!
Updated February 20, 5:30 p.m.
DOG ADOPTIONS
Appointments will be necessary for all dog viewing and adoptions
Monday – Saturday. Adoption appointments: (716) 875-7360, ext. 207. Read more about dog adoption appointments here >>
Same-day appointments are often available. During periods of high-volume calls, however, your appointment may be scheduled for another time during the week.
CAT ADOPTIONS
Saturdays: Appointments are necessary to view and/or adopt cats. Adoption appointments:
(716) 875-7360, ext. 207.
Monday – Friday: No appointments are necessary for cat adoptions. Please note: visitors will be allowed in the cat viewing areas when space allows, in accordance with current limited occupancy guidelines. Because the Adoptions Dep’t. closes at 5 p.m. each day, final groups of visitors will be allowed in cat areas at 4 p.m. when space allows.
FARM ANIMAL ADOPTIONS
Appointments will be necessary for all farm animal adoptions Monday – Saturday. Please call
(716) 875-7360, ext. 212 or 215 to make your appointment.
ALL OTHER ANIMALS
No appointments are necessary to view and/or adopt other animals. Please note: visitors will be allowed in animal viewing areas when space allows, in accordance with current limited occupancy guidelines. Because the Adoptions Dep’t. closes at 5 p.m. each day, final groups of visitors will be allowed in cat areas at 4 p.m. when space allows.
*PLEASE NOTE: The status of all animal adoptions is subject to change at any time. Please check this page regularly for adoption status updates.
*Further details on animal adoptions and appointments are provided below.
________________________
FOR YOUR PROTECTION AND OURS, THE SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY WILL REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES DURING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE PHASE. FACE MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED!
-Appointments are necessary to adopt dogs & farm animals at the SPCA Serving Erie County Monday – Saturday.
-Appointments are necessary for cat adoptions on Saturdays. No cat adoption appointments are required Monday – Friday.
-To reiterate: On Saturdays, only those with adoption appointments will be able to adopt a dog or a cat.
-No appointments are required to adopt bunnies, ferrets, or other small animals or reptiles at this time.
-To schedule an appointment, please call our Adoptions Desk at 716-875-7360, ext. 207, to leave your message.
-Please note: due to a high volume of calls, your call requesting an appointment may not be returned the same day. All calls are returned in the order they are received.
-Because our community is filled with people who love animals and want to adopt, dog adoption appointments are generally scheduled for several days, even weeks, in advance, so be sure to schedule your appointment early.
–Read more about the need for dog adoption appointments here.
-Adoption hours are currently 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and depending on the number of people waiting to see animals, the final group of potential adopters will be allowed to view cats and other small animals at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Final dog adoption appointments will be made at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and final appointments for other animals on Saturdays will be at 4 p.m.
-Upon entering the building, it is imperative all visitors sign in with contact information. We require the name of every guest in each party, including children, for tracing purposes.
-Four people will be allowed per guest pass in animal areas, which means up to four family members or friends should come together to the SPCA to adopt. Please remember if you are planning to adopt an animal, only four people per party will be allowed on each guest pass.
-A limited number of guest passes will be allowed in the cat rooms and small animal areas at any given time. This allows visitors to spend time safely meeting available animals without worry about proximity to other potential adopters. Visitors wishing to view dogs will need to have a
pre-existing appointment to do so.
-Concerning animals other than dogs: each guest pass allows a family time in the animal areas to help accommodate all potential adopters and increase the number of animals who find homes each day. Depending on the volume of visitors on any given day, a time limit may need to be put in place. (Please note: time limits with adoptable animals are only being enforced during our COVID-19 response phase. Normally, we encourage visitors to spend as long as possible with an animal prior to adoption!)
-If you arrive to adopt and the maximum number of people are present Monday through Friday in the cat & small animal viewing areas (appointments are required to adopt cats on Saturdays), you have the opportunity to wait in a small overflow area in our lobby or, if you prefer not to wait there or if that area is filled, outdoors. Your sign-in information determines the order of admission into the building. If you choose to wait outdoors, we will call you on your mobile phone when it is your turn to visit! Remember, you will not be able to view dogs without an appointment on any day, and appointments are necessary for dogs AND cats on Saturdays.
-Wait times to see cats Monday – Friday (Saturdays require an appointment) and other small animals Monday through Saturday will vary depending on shelter population, so please plan accordingly. If you arrive before 4 p.m. and there is a long wait, you may not be able to view the animals on the day you visit. Thank you for understanding our efforts to abide by occupancy guidelines; while not viewing animals on the day you visit is frustrating for all involved, we must make every effort to remain consistent with current health regulations in place to keep our visitors safe.
-Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Monday through Friday, the final group of potential adopters will be allowed in cat/small animal adoption areas one hour prior to closing if space allows. Final dog adoption appointments will be made at 4 p.m. each day, and final cat adoption appointments on Saturdays will be made at 4 p.m.
-This bears repeating: we may not be able to accommodate everyone on any given day. Depending on the number of people who have arrived at the shelter before you, it is possible you will not be able to see animals on the day you visit. Believe us, we don’t like it either. We’re in the business of placing these animals in new homes…including YOURS! But we understand, and hope you understand, this is for your safety as well as the safety of our volunteers and staff members.
-See animals available for adoption on this page! Remember, our population changes several times each day, so you’ll want to check back frequently!
-Our adoption policies during this COVID era are changing frequently in response to community developments. Please remember to check this website prior to your visit for our most current adoption policy.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP PEOPLE & ANIMALS SAFE & HEALTHY!
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer
Reading to SPCA Animals is Back!
New Tale for Two Season Offers In-Person and Virtual Options.
September 1, 2021
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
The SPCA Serving Erie County is now welcoming readers into its 2021 – 2022 season Tale for Two program, encouraging children ages six through 16 to read aloud to adoptable animals at the SPCA, or therapy pets who are volunteers of the SPCA’s Paws for Love program! Animals benefit from the increased socialization and reduced stress levels, while children work on their literacy and reading skills, building their self-esteem and confidence.
If registered for in-person reading, one adult and one child can visit the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter to read aloud to shelter pets. To remain consistent with COVID-related occupancy guidelines, only six child/adult teams will be allowed on the Adoptions floor at any given time, so space is extremely limited.
Virtual reading will take place on a 
Zoom call, during which participants will read to a Paws for Love therapy animal. Each virtual session will conclude with an opportunity for the child to ask the shelter representative questions about the animal or the SPCA.
This year’s reading season begins October 4, and is available in a three-month package (program cost: $50 for one 30-minute in-person reading session per week, or unlimited 30-minute virtual reading sessions); a ’21-’22 school year package (program cost: $85 for one 30-minute in-person reading session per week, or unlimited 30-minute virtual reading sessions; this package has an end date of June 9, 2022); or a full year 12-month package (program cost: $125 for one 30-minute in-person reading session per week, or unlimited 30-minute virtual reading sessions; this package has an end date of September 15, 2022).
In-person shelter reading opportunities along 
with virtual reading slots are available Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter.
Children can read from their own reading materials, or make a selection from the SPCA’s library.
REGISTER NOW to choose your reading package and to select your desired virtual orientation date (orientation is mandatory for adults and recommended for the child readers). Space is extremely limited. For more information on Tale for Two, please contact SPCA Director of Humane Education Christine Davis at 716-875-7360, ext. 262, or christined@yourspca.org .
Register for TALE FOR TWO now!
From the SPCA’s Humane Education Department regarding the safety of children participating in one of the Humane Ed programs:
“The SPCA Serving Erie County has and always has had strict cleaning and safety policies in place due to the nature of animal sheltering and the potential for zoonotic disease exposure. During the age of COVID-19, we will follow all CDC guidelines and recommendations. At this time, the SPCA Humane Education Department requires social distancing and masks for all participants, regardless of vaccination status. There will also be a temperature check and COVID screening prior to entry.”
Check out all the fun from this summer’s SPCA Kindness Camp 2021! Just click on the image below to see our album of 200+ camp photos!
Future camp space is extremely limited.
Be the first to know about vacation day, break, and summertime camps at the SPCA and register children early!
Just email your name and other contact information to HumaneEducation@yourspca.org and you’ll receive early notice and updates before details are released to the general public!
SEE YOU AT CAMP!
The Parakeet and the Juggler
UPDATE, August 23, 2021 — After a few close calls, no owner came to claim Hilby the parakeet. He went up for adoption today at 11:05 a.m. We didn’t have to wait long for the end to Hilby’s story…at 11:14 a.m. he was adopted! A nine-minute adoption floor length-of-stay may be the shortest on SPCA record, and that’s a 154-year-old history! We of course won’t give too many details on Hilby’s new residence other than to say this…Hilby is now called DION, and if you see a “wanderer” that looks like the bird pictured above flying the West Seneca, NY skies, well, please give us a call, because it might be Dion!
August 17, 2021 — If you have seen Hilby The Skinny German Juggle Boy at the #ErieCountyFair or elsewhere, you already know his remarkable talent is unmatched. Now you can add “….and Compassionate Animal Lover Who Takes Action When Needed!” to his long resume! As caring as he is skilled, check out this saga that unfolded yesterday! Read about it here >>
The bird’s name? Why, it’s Hilby, of course, at least while he’s with us! Hilby’s stray hold period lasts until August 23, so hopefully his owner will hear of this story and come to our 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter!
ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
John J. Flynn, District Attorney
August 11, 2021
Buffalo Man Indicted on Aggravated Animal Cruelty Charge for Intentionally Injuring Puppy near Front Park
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 22-year-old Navier Rodriguez of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday afternoon before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging him with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at approximately 10:47 a.m., the defendant intentionally hit his 8-week-old puppy and threw the dog to the ground multiple times. The puppy suffered extensive injuries to its mouth, including cuts and broken teeth. The incident, that was allegedly seen by multiple witnesses, occurred on Porter Avenue near Front Park in the City of Buffalo.
After the alleged incident, the puppy was placed in the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County where it received veterinary care for its injuries. The puppy, now known as “Petey,” is in the care of a foster family.
Rodriguez is scheduled to return on 9/21/21 at 10:00 a.m. for motions. He remains released on his own recognizance as the charge is non-qualifying for bail.
At yesterday’s arraignment, Justice Givens signed an order prohibiting the defendant from owning any animals during the pendency of the case.
If convicted of the charge, Rodriguez faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
“This defendant was indicted on the highest possible charge for savagely beating a defenseless puppy. Animal cruelty of any kind will not be tolerated in Erie County. I created an Animal Cruelty Unit in my office to ensure that these offenders are held accountable for their actions. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their assistance in these criminal investigations and for the many services they provide to help these animals,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
“Animal abuse cases are always heartbreaking and the SPCA is grateful to know that members of the grand jury felt that this case warranted aggravated animal cruelty charges. No animal deserves to suffer needlessly, much less an 8-week-old puppy. We are happy to help him on his road to recovery,” said Officer Lindsey Wood of the SPCA Serving Erie County.
DA Flynn commends Officer Wood, Buffalo Police Department, City of Buffalo Dog Control, and the United States Border Patrol for their 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.
See this story on the Erie County District Attorney’s website >>