Category: News

SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY APPOINTS JENNIFER GURZ STONEBRAKER AS ORGANIZATION’S NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

January 3, 2024
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SPCA Serving Erie County President/CEO Cait Daly, together with the organization’s board of directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Gurz Stonebraker as the SPCA’s new Chief Operating Officer.

Gurz Stonebraker is well-known in our community, particularly to organization donors, as the SPCA’s Chief Development Officer, a position she has held since 2016.

Prior to her work on the senior leadership team, Gurz Stonebraker was an SPCA Adoptions/Admissions Counselor in 2002, then joined the Development team in 2003. She has more than 20 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, donor cultivation and stewardship, special event planning and management, grant writing, direct marketing, website management, and corporate sponsorships.

Daly says, “I’m so excited to begin the new year and a new era for the SPCA by announcing Jen’s shift to COO. Promoting from within shows the strong internal talent we have at the SPCA. Jen’s leadership is going to move this organization forward into the newest phase of the animal welfare industry, one in which our humane society is recognized and utilized as even more of a vital community resource.”

“We are very excited to announce Jen’s appointment as our new Chief Operating Officer,” says SPCA Board of Directors Chairperson P. Jeffrey Birtch. “This is an important job at which she will excel. Jen has been with the SPCA 21 years; we know what she can do and how well she can do it, and after all these years she has earned the utmost respect from everyone at the SPCA.”

SPCA Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Sara Dayton adds, “Jen has been instrumental to our organization for many years and is truly dedicated to our mission and our vision. She is so deserving of this promotion, and we look forward to her continued leadership as COO for years to come!”

“I am as passionate about the mission of the SPCA Serving Erie County as I was on my first day with the organization 21 years ago,” Gurz Stonebraker shares. “As a fundraiser, I have sung the praises of the work done by the SPCA because I wholeheartedly believe in the difference the SPCA has made in the lives of animals and the people who love them. I have watched the SPCA evolve over the years to meet the needs of our community and serve as a leader in the animal welfare world. I am excited and honored to bring my leadership and fundraising experience to the operations side of the organization in a way that will help the SPCA continue to thrive and grow.”

Gurz Stonebraker assumed her position as COO January 1, 2024.

Click here for more information on the SPCA Serving Erie County and its leadership team.

SPCA Officers Rescue Coyote Stranded Near US Coast Guard Site in Buffalo, NY

December 26, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

How does the SPCA Serving Erie County, NY respond when the Department of Environmental Conservation calls about a coyote stranded on a log near the US Coast Guard’s Fuhrmann Blvd. station? With a resounding “Be right there,” of course.

That’s exactly what happened Friday when the SPCA’s Wildlife Department received the call about a stranded coyote seen swimming, then stranded and shivering on a log.

Shortly after receiving the call, SPCA Chief Lindsey Wood and Officer Melina Homsi, along with Agents Molly McLaughlin and Meghan Giles, headed out to the docks with the appropriate level of rescue equipment and determination necessary to get the job done.

Upon arrival, the team noticed the soaking coyote’s evident exhaustion. US Coast Guard Metalsmith Petty Officer 1st Class Taylor Foran told Wood via text message that the coyote was in the water and/or stranded at least three hours, but probably longer, and said the coyote was violently shivering and was so exhausted from swimming when first seen that she couldn’t lift her head.

The photos below depict the dramatic rescue, as Wood, assisted by Homsi, Giles, and McLaughlin, was able to snare the coyote and pull her up to safety. The coyote was immediately transported to the SPCA’s West Seneca location where she was examined and cared for overnight.

On December 23, as shown in the video below, officers released the now warm and fed coyote to a safe, wooded area at Wilkeson Pointe not far from where she was located!

Wildlife concern? Contact the SPCA Serving Erie County, NY Wildlife Department at (716) 875-7360, ext. 247.



#SPCACompassionInAction

 

See this story in the Buffalo News >>

Hear this story on Newsradio 930 WBEN >>

See this story on WGRZ-TV >>

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See this story on WKBW-TV >>

See this story on Yahoo News >>

UPI shares the coyote rescue >>

Wildlife Killing Contests Will be Illegal in New York After Governor Hochul Signs Bill; New York is the Tenth State Outlawing ‘Cruel Kill Contests’

December 26, 2023
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

On December 22, New York State became the tenth state in the nation to outlaw wildlife killing contests after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S.4099/A.2917 to protect wildlife by ending such competitions, derbies, and tournaments, killing of which Sierra magazine says most New Yorkers were unaware.

A press release issued by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) states that the historic new law prohibits competitive events during which contestants compete to kill the most, the heaviest, and the smallest coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and other ecologically vital species for cash and prizes. Hundreds of animals may be killed at a single event and countless others may be injured. The HSUS release goes on to say that, during springtime contests, dependent young may be orphaned and left to die from starvation, predation or exposure. After the killing is over, the animals are often dumped like trash, away from the public eye.

The contests have no impact on population management, an argument often used by contest organizers and participants to justify the activity. Additionally, the legislation does not ban hunting or fishing.  

Championed by Assembly Member Deborah Glick, D-Manhattan, and Senator Tim Kennedy D-Buffalo, this legislation was approved by bipartisan majorities in both the Assembly and Senate earlier this year. (See the full HSUS story >>)

SPCA Serving Erie County President/CEO Cait Daly says, “Once again, Governor Hochul has demonstrated her support for the kind and ethical treatment of animals. The Governor has asked us all to rise to a higher standard, and because of her fortitude, New York State is now one of a handful of states leading the nation in this effort: ending the senseless killing of our magnificent wildlife.”

“We are grateful for the governor’s action and recognize the bold leadership of Assembly Member Glick and Senator Kennedy for championing this law,” says Brian Shapiro, New York State director for the HSUS. “These inhumane, wasteful competitions must come to an end across the country once and for all.”

“The SPCA Serving Erie County’s mission is to create a more humane community that nurtures the bond between animals and people, and thanks to Governor Hochul and the choice to eliminate cruel kill contests, New York State can say that it is a more humane community for wildlife,” said Barbara Haney, SPCA director of wildlife. “Thank you, Governor Hochul, and all of our community members who stood up to voice their opposition to these heinous contests. May we continue to grow in kindness and compassion for wildlife and each other.”

Read the full HSUS announcement >>

See this story in Newsweek >>

Dinty Moore found in Newstead June 7, 2023 abandoned and muzzled. Photo courtesy of Dinty’s finder.

UPDATE December 12 — Wednesday, Dec. 13 is our 21st annual Radiothon, and Dinty Moore, now Basil’s,  mom Katy will be in to tell her story! Tune in during the 2. p.m.. hour to hear Katy on Newsradio 930 WBEN!

UPDATE July 7 — Well it’s official! Dinty Moore, now Basil, was adopted by Katy in Angola! We know they’ll be living a happy life together filled with love! Thanks to all who made miracles happen for Basil by donating toward her care!


June 19, 2023 — The region was under a dangerous air quality warning due to Canadian wildfires on June 7, 2023 when a concerned community member noticed a black, soft-sided carrier in a field at the corner of Millgrove Road and Main Street in Newstead. When the gentleman went further to inspect, he realized a Sheepdog mix, alive and muzzled, was abandoned and stuffed inside the small travel tote.

Officers help abandoned dog at the scene June 7. Photo courtesy of Dinty’s finder.

The finder immediately called the Erie County Sheriff’s Office; officers brought the dog to Newstead Dog Control. From there, SPCA officers were notified and opened an investigation into who may have abandoned the dog. Unfortunately, officers have received no leads at this time.

Today, the dog, dubbed Dinty Moore, went up for adoption at the SPCA! Thought to be approximately two years old, Dinty Moore has been described by members of the SPCA’s Behavior Department as fun and playful, and even appears to know some commands!

Dinty Moore, now happy, cleaned up, and ready for his new home June 19.

Dinty is expected to be adopted quickly. To find out if he is still available for adoption, look for his photo on our Adoptable Animals page >>. If Dinty’s photo is not on the page, he is no longer available, but you’ll see photos of other animals at the SPCA waiting for their new homes!

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact SPCA officers by calling (716) 875-7360, ext. 214. The SPCA will respond to anonymous tips.

 

 

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Dog Found in Buffalo Receives Lifesaving Care at the SPCA Thanks to Cooperation, Concern from Community Members

February 17, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Contribute to Kenzie’s Care >>

When we said Kenzie is receiving plenty of TLC, we meant it. From left, Dr. Allison Keane, Paige, Val, Sally, and Sara.

UPDATE December 11 — Wednesday, Dec. 13 is our 21st annual Radiothon, and Kenzie’s mom Jessica will be in to tell her story! Tune in during the 9 a.m. hour to hear Jessica on Newsradio 930 WBEN!

UPDATE March 28 — Well it’s official! Kenzie was adopted by Jessica in Lackawanna! We know they’ll be living a happy life together filled with love! Thanks to all who made miracles happen for Kenzie by donating toward her care!

UPDATE February 28 — Kenzie’s health has progressed and she was placed in a loving Lackawanna foster home for further recovery! We’re thrilled over Kenzie’s improved health, and at the end of her foster term (an anticipated April date), we will post updates on what happens next for Kenzie!

UPDATE February 22 — See the latest update on Kenzie here >>

UPDATE February 20 — Kenzie had a difficult Saturday, Feb. 18 when she prolapsed again. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kean and SPCA veterinary staff fixed her prolapse, this time with a more invasive spay surgery, to minimize the chances of an additional prolapse. With full recovery still uncertain, Kenzie is back in serious but stable condition and resting comfortably. It’s unclear at this time whether she will need additional surgery but she will continue to receive fluids, antibiotics, and other supportive care.

Many have asked what could have caused Kenzie’s severe condition. Our veterinary team shares with us that this extreme condition could be the result of several different circumstances, among them some sort of trauma, like blunt force or being attacked in some way; it could also result from straining to give birth, and it can even be parasitic. In Kenzie’s case, with no owner coming forward, all we can do is speculate and focus on getting her out of the woods. Her initial bloodwork was very poor, and the fear of sepsis is very real, so we’re keeping close tabs on her and taking it one day at a time.

Those wishing to contribute to Kenzie’s care can click here >>  

Kenzie post-surgery Feb. 16

SPCA Compassion in Action — A young adult dog is in stable but serious condition at the SPCA Serving Erie County after community members found her roaming the streets of Buffalo in visible distress yesterday.

The dog, now known as Kenzie, suffered what appeared to be a complete vaginal and rectal prolapse and underwent emergency surgery yesterday

Kenzie pre-surgery

afternoon at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location. SPCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean performed the nearly two-hour surgery to reduce both prolapses and replace them. Kenzie is now sutured, receiving supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, and plenty of love.

Dr. Kean says there is concern on the part of veterinary staff over Kenzie’s poor blood test results and the risk of sepsis; should she survive, Kenzie will still be in need of additional surgeries and veterinary care. For now, however, Kenzie, still in serious condition, is stabilized and comfortable. “I left yesterday knowing we did our very best to help save this dog,” says Dr. Kean. “To be honest, though, I’m shocked that Kenzie was alive this morning. She’s a real trooper.”

Photos courtesy of S. Gray

Shawnay Gray of Buffalo posted photos of the female dog yesterday on a social media account after seeing the dog walking near the intersection of Elmer Avenue and E. Amherst Street in Buffalo. A community member who saw the photos contacted SPCA Dispatcher Nicole Abrams and shared Gray’s phone number; Abrams then contacted Gray, who still was watching the dog, and asked Gray if she could stay near the dog while an SPCA officer was immediately dispatched.

Gray complied, and with her help, SPCA Officer Melina Homsi was able to locate the dog not far from Kensington Ave. “The dog immediately ran up to me,” Homsi says. “She seemed very sweet, and I was able to put her into the truck and rush her back to the SPCA without any problems.”

Kenzie rests comfortably Feb. 17

The SPCA Serving Erie County is thankful for the support of Gray, the caller who shared with us news about Kenzie, the community members who have shown concern for Kenzie, and donors who have made this lifesaving work at the SPCA possible. To be a part of the SPCA’s Compassion in Action efforts and help save lives, click here >>

Updates on Kenzie will be shared here when they become available.

Kenzie and animals like her need your help >>

Saying Goodbye to a Longtime Friend; the SPCA Mourns the Loss of Ted Balliett

December 8, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Earlier this week, the world, and our local animals, lost a very special man.

Ted Balliett passed away at age 100.

We of course cannot detail all of his hundred years spent caring for his family, his service to our country, and his work doing much more to make the world a better place. What we CAN detail, however, are the many, many, MANY years Ted dedicated to making the lives of thousands of animals so much more wonderful.

Ted was a volunteer at the SPCA for decades. For more than 30 years, Ted worked with dogs at the SPCA. He didn’t just walk them, he didn’t just sit with them, he didn’t just spend an obligatory few minutes with them before moving on to the next. Ted talked to the dogs. He cared about them. He paid attention to the needs of every single one, trying to give all the dogs what they individually needed to make that day…that week…that month, sometimes longer, better.

I vividly remember seeing Ted in our Adoptions lobby in Tonawanda back in the 90s, so often ready for his shift the moment the doors opened. On days that our population was lighter, Ted didn’t go home early; he’d repeat walks for dogs to get them out again and again. On rainy and stormy days, Ted still showed up, even if it was just to bring the dogs into the lobby or into the auditorium to play with them, giving them breaks from their kennels. Ted was so patient, especially with the most energetic dogs. He was one in a million.

Ted was faithful to the SPCA always, even attending our 2022 donor event…at age 98! Shortly thereafter, Ted relocated to Beechwood Continued Care in Getzville.  Ninety-nine at that point, he was STILL smiling, cracking jokes, asking about some of our animals (not animals from the past…dogs who he had just viewed on the website THAT WEEK!). He still gave the best hugs, and despite everything happening with him, was still more interested in what was happening with everyone else. A rare quality nowadays. We will forever miss him.

Ted’s obituary can be found here >>>

Below are photos of Ted adopting his beloved Moose at the SPCA back in 2018. It was a special day for everyone, but especially for Moose, who found the love of his life.

To Ted’s family: thank you for letting the SPCA borrow this incredible man, and for allowing us to share with you so many of his smiles, jokes, hugs, and love. I know I speak for thousands of animals as well when I say we are all eternally grateful.

More on Ted from the Buffalo News >>

 

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Investigating Recent Canine Respiratory Syndrome

December 8, 2023 —  From the SPCA’s Lipsey Clinic: SPCA Serving Erie County’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean shares with dog owners of our community information and a timeline recently released by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on a sometimes-fatal respiratory illness affecting dogs nationwide.

In the release, Dr. Brian Collins of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine urges dog owners to be aware of the symptoms. “One of the hallmark signs is coughing. Dogs may also show other clinical signs such as sneezing, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose and decreased appetite.”

Read the full Cornell release >>

An important part of the data from Cornell cautions pet owners against their dogs’ prolonged contact with other dogs, urging them to select boarding kennels and daycare facilities only when absolutely necessary.

As more information on this illness becomes known, the SPCA Serving Erie County will share details here.

If your dog is experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms that could be connected to this illness, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer

SPCA WARNING PET OWNERS ABOUT MISSING PET SCAM

December 5, 2023
By: SPCA Social Media Coordinator Jillian LeBlanc

The SPCA Serving Erie County has been made aware of a recent scam involving missing pets in our area.

With this scam, a caller dials the number listed on a missing pet flier and tells the pet owner they’re calling from a local animal shelter. The scammer claims the pet was found and brought to their shelter; however, the pet has been injured and needs immediate, life-saving surgery. The caller then tells the pet owner that a downpayment of several hundred dollars must be made in order for them to get their animal back after the surgery has been performed. The pet owner is then given the option to send the payment via Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal.

One Buffalo resident who was on the verge of being scammed visited the SPCA yesterday seeking help finding her missing cat. Fortunately, she sought help before sending any money.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, or a similar scam, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends reporting fraud to the BBB Scam Tracker. To learn more about how you can prevent falling victim to a missing pet scam, please read the BBB’s January, 2022 article BBB Scam Alert: Lost pet? Watch out for this scam.

November 20, 2023

From the office of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

BUFFALO MAN ARRAIGNED ON ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES FOR INTENTIONALLY INJURING PUPPY

Help Miley with your gift >>

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 35-year-old James D. Brown of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel P. Davis on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony under Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Overdriving, Torturing, or Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under Agriculture and Markets Law).

It is alleged that on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused serious physical injuries to a companion animal by slamming his puppy to the ground. The defendant allegedly lifted the dog, a 4-month-old pit bull, by the leash then slammed the dog onto the pavement near Philadelphia and Isabelle streets in the City of Buffalo. It is further alleged that the defendant failed to provided medical treatment for the puppy, which suffered injuries to its rear legs as well as abrasions on its head and legs.

As part of the investigation, the dog was seized by the Buffalo Police Department and transported to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. The puppy is currently in the care and custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County; [the SPCA will be paying the emergency veterinary clinic costs as well as the continued costs of caring for the puppy, named Miley. Click here to contribute towards Miley’s care; remember to write “Miley” in the comments section of the form >>]

Brown is scheduled to return on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. The defendant was released on his own recognizance.

If convicted of the highest charge, Brown faces a maximum of 2 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Special Investigations Unit and K9 Unit as well as the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation.

“This is a disturbing case of a man accused of intentionally injuring his own dog. My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

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

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Help Miley with your gift >>

Additional updates on this case will be added here as they become available.

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