SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Special Limited Edition of Vets & Pets!
The SPCA Serving Erie County is excited to bring Vets & Pets back to the community for a limited time, generously sponsored by Nancy Haberman-Gacioch, a long-time friend of the SPCA!
During this event, adoption fees for most animals will be waived for individuals and immediate families of those on active duty, reserves, honorable discharge, as well as service-disabled veterans and retired military personnel.
Take advantage of this opportunity at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location!
Military 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 Mindy Ussrey with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 210.
Buffalo News subscribers can read the full article written by the SPCA’s Cait Daly & Barbara Haney! Just click on the image below!
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Contact Govenor Hochul by phone: 1-518-474-8390 | Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Officer Wood returns to SPCA with first group of rescued puppies. Photo by the SPCA’s Jillian LeBlanc.
UPDATE August 25 — From the office of Distrct Attorney John J. Flynn:
THREE ADULTS ARRAIGNED ON ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 30-year-old Jamie D. Aaron, 47-year-old Mary Beth Aaron and 43-year-old Marc R. Scholes were arraigned yesterday afternoon before Tonawanda Town Court Justice J. Mark Gruber. Each defendant was charged with 23 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, 23 counts of Failure to Provide Proper Food and Drink to Impounded Animal (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law).
Marc R. Scholes and Mary Beth Aaron were also arraigned on an additional charge of one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, SPCA investigators and members of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence on Dupont Avenue in the Town of Tonawanda. The defendants are accused of failing to provide necessary food, water and care to 22 dogs and one cat confined to their home. The animals were found in unsanitary conditions without access to food and water. All of the animals were signed over to the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County.
A 12-year-old child also resided inside of the home. Marc R. Scholes and Mary Beth Aaron, the child’s caregivers, are accused of knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child involving a substantial risk of danger to the children’s life or health due to the unsanitary conditions of the home.
Aaron, Aaron and Scholes are scheduled to return on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for further proceedings. All three defendants were released on their own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
At the request of prosecutors, Judge Gruber issued a “no animal” order, which prevents the defendants from owning or caring for any animals while the case is pending.
If convicted of the highest charge, Aaron, Aaron and Scholes each face a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
“These defendants are accused of failing to provide proper care for the children and numerous animals living inside of their home. I want to thank our partners at the SPCA for their work in this investigation and care they have provided to the many animals rescued from this home,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
DA Flynn commends the SPCA Serving Erie County, SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator Lindsey Wood and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jordana C. Gelber of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
August 9 — Twenty-two dogs were rescued late yesterday afternoon by the SPCA Serving Erie County after cruelty investigators found them living in a home deemed unfit for both humans and animals.
According to SPCA Officer Lindsey Wood, the dogs were found all together, contained in a small bedroom; some were standing on dressers, others on the bed and desk. As officers slowly entered the room, the dogs began chaotically running throughout the house, clearly fearful of strangers.
“The sight and smell of urine and feces throughout the home was overwhelming,” said Wood, “and all the doors and windows were covered, making it an extremely dark environment.”
All 22 dogs were rescued by several SPCA representatives and rushed back to the West Seneca location for emergency care. Wood says one cat may still be in the house and SPCA officers are continuing their efforts to rescue the cat.
Charged with animal cruelty are Mary Beth Aaron, Jaime D. Aaron, and Marc R. Scholes.Collectively, they have been charged by SPCA Officer Wood with 46 counts each of Class A misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty according to NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Article 26, Sections 353 & 356. They are scheduled to be arraigned in Town of Tonawanda Justice Court August 24. Additional charges and violations were placed by Tonawanda Police.
The dogs are now in the care of the SPCA Serving Erie County and at the time of this writing are still being examined, cleaned, and cared for; the SPCA’s dedicated team is fully committed to ensuring the animals receive top-quality veterinary care and nurturing socialization, paving the way for the brighter futures they truly deserve.
Keep watching YourSPCA.org for additional details on the condition of the animals and the cruelty charges.
Your donation will provide care, comfort, and solace to these vulnerable animals during this challenging period. Together, we can show them better days lie ahead. To contribute toward the care of these animals, please click the button below and remember to write “22 Dogs” in the comments section of the donation form:
SPCA Charges Buffalo Woman with Animal Cruelty for Allegedly Leaving Dog in Hot Car
June 29, 2022 By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
UPDATE 8/8/23 from the office of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:
JUDGE FINDS BUFFALO WOMAN GUILTY OF ANIMAL CRUELTY VIOLATION FOR LEAVING HER DOG INSIDE HOT VEHICLE LAST SUMMER
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that Cheektowaga Town Court Justice John Wanat has found 38-year-old Shermika A. Walker of Buffalo guilty of one count of Confinement of Companion Animals in Vehicles: Extreme Temperatures (violation under New York Agriculture and Markets Law). Judge Wanat rendered his decision yesterday afternoon following a two-hour, non-jury trial.
On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Cheektowaga Police and Cheektowaga Animal Control officers responded to a 911 call for a report of a dog in distress inside of a parked vehicle at a plaza on Union Road. When officers arrived at the scene, the dog was seizing and vomiting due to the heat inside of the vehicle.
The defendant’s dog, an 8-year-old male Boston Terrier mix, was removed from the vehicle and taken to a veterinary emergency clinic to be treated for severe heatstroke. The dog was briefly held in the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County, but [against the wishes and recommendations of the SPCA] was [ordered by the court] returned to the defendant. On June 29, 2022, our office requested that the Court impose a no animal order at the defendant’s arraignment, which was denied by the Town Justice previously assigned to the case.
Walker faces a maximum of 15 days in jail when she is sentenced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. She remains released on her own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department, Town of Cheektowaga Animal Control, SPCA Serving Erie County and SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator William Heine for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephen C. Papia of the Justice Courts Bureau.
UPDATE 6/29/22 from the office of of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn: Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Shermika A. Walker of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Cheektowaga Town Justice James J. Speyer, Jr. on one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Confinement of Companion Animals in Vehicles: Extreme Temperatures (violation under New York Agriculture and Markets Law). [See the full story, below.] Walker is scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. She was released on her own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. If convicted of all charges, Walker faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department, Town of Cheektowaga Animal Control, SPCA Serving Erie County and SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigations Officer William Heine for their work in this investigation.
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. –Kait Munro, Public Information Officer, Erie County District Attorney
On June 16, 2022, the SPCA Serving Erie County charged Shermika Walker of Buffalo with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one violation after she allegedly left a dog in a hot vehicle at the Airport Plaza in Cheektowaga Wednesday, June 15.
According to Accuweather.com, Cheektowaga temperatures reached 91 degrees Wednesday afternoon when Cheektowaga Police and Animal Control officers responded to a call regarding a dog left in a vehicle at the plaza. When officers arrived at the location, they reportedly found the dog inside of the vehicle in severe distress, seizing and vomiting.
The male dog, which appears to be a Boston Terrier, was removed from the vehicle and rushed by Cheektowaga Animal Control officers to the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic on Genesee St. in Buffalo when SPCA officers were called to assist. The dog’s temperature surpassed 107 degrees and he exhibited other signs of severe heatstroke.
Clinic representatives provided emergency care to stabilize the dog, and he is now in the care of the SPCA Serving Erie County where he will receive additional treatment.
SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigations Officer William Heine opened an investigation and charged Walker.
The SPCA reminds community members that the effects of heatstroke can begin quickly in animals left alone in parked cars in the summer, even when cars are parked for short lengths of time in shade with windows open. Those who find animals left alone in cars during extreme temperatures are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or the SPCA Serving Erie County, (716) 875-7360, ext. 214, 8 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. seven days a week.
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane & Pat McAfee Follow Through for SPCA & Bills Muttfia After Golf Score Bet
August 7, 2023 By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
The turf is definitely greener at the SPCA Serving Erie County today, where 78 equals 25,000!
When Brandon Beane appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on YouTube Friday, Aug. 4, McAfee made good on a golf score bet previously set with our Buffalo Bills general manager.
The bet? If Beane shot a 79 in an upcoming golf game, McAfee would donate $25,000 to one of Beane’s favorite charities. Under 79 would double the donation!
On Friday, the results were broadcast live during the last hour of the show.
Beane clearly won the game, with a score of 78!
McAfee asked where Beane would like the $50,000 to go, and Beane chose to divide the winnings: $25,000 to the Carson Senfield Impact Foundation in memory of Carson Senfield, and $25,000 to the SPCA Serving Erie County in honor of the Bills Muttfia started by Beane and his wife, SPCA Board Member Hayley!
Approximately one hour after the show ended, the SPCA received the $25,000 online donation from McAfee!
Play the entire show here! Beane’s segment begins in the third hour, at approximately 2:15, and he makes his donation choices at approximately 2:26!
Thank you to Pat McAfee for playing through, and to Brandon Beane for driving the donation! It’s unanimous at the SPCA: that’s what friendly wagers are “fore!”
The Outdoor Code is an integral part of every scout’s commitment to treat our land with respect and follow principled outdoor ethics. “I will learn about and practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife and energy. I will urge others to do the same.”
Therefore, I respectfully ask Gov. Kathy Hochul to protect our natural resources by signing S.4099 into law. Doing so will ensure proper stewardship and care of our state’s precious wildlife.
FIND TRUE LOVE AND YOUR ADOPTION FEE MAY BE *WAIVED!*
WE’RE BRINGING IT BACK!
Get ready for a furry love connection like no other! The SPCA is bringing the excitement of speed dating back to our shelter on Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19, from noon to 8 p.m., removing the need for guest passes and hoping you fall in love at first sight!
During these special days, we’re waiving adoption fees for all animals one year and older, making it easier than ever to find your perfect match! We guarantee sparks will fly!
And that’s not all! Adopters will not only leave with their new furry friend but also some fantastic fun favors to kickstart their journey together!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to find love and bring home a lifelong companion. Mark your calendars and join us for this unforgettable event at the SPCA. #GetYourFlirtOn
SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY NEARING CRISIS SITUATION: HIGH NUMBER OF ANIMAL CRUELTY RESCUES AND LOW ADOPTIONS MAY FORCE SPCA TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE ANIMAL ADMISSIONS
SPCA animal cruelty investigators say they are on track with the rising number of animal cruelty arrests this year as compared to last year’s exorbitant increase. October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021, there were 13 animal cruelty arrests amidst hundreds of animal cruelty cases, nearly double the year prior, and this year’s numbers remain high. October 1, 2022, to July 17, 2023, there have already been seven animal cruelty arrests by the SPCA in Erie County. This year is different, however, in that more of these cases are felony cases. That means the circumstances are more severe and more complicated, with animals requiring much more care and attention with longer lengths of stay.
Types of cruelty cases include beating, abandonment, animals left outdoors in extreme heat without water or shelter, and animals living in unsanitary conditions.
The SPCA is seeing an increase in the number of cruelty cases due to the following situations: cost of living increases, uncared for mental health conditions, increases in substance abuse, and post-COVID-19 conditions including the expiration of the eviction moratorium and the return to in-person work. In addition, access to spay/neuter surgeries was extremely limited during the pandemic resulting in a severe overpopulation of dogs.
Reports of an increase in animal cruelty are not just coming from the United States. A January 2023 article from the World Animal Foundation states that in the United Kingdom, the rate of abuse of just dogs has risen by 16% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that, worldwide, animal cruelty complaints have increased by 55% in the past 10 years.
Care and housing for these animals most in-need and at-risk must be prioritized by our organization in terms of space, veterinary care, and resources. This, combined with adoptable dogs and cats who have been with the SPCA a prolonged period of time, means that kennels and cages are filled and the SPCA is close to reaching maximum capacity. We must continue animal cruelty investigations and rescues while continuing to provide the best care possible to the animals awaiting adoption, especially the longer-stay residents who require more time and attention to keep them mentally and emotionally stable despite extended stays in kennels and cages.
As we provide care for animals most in-need and at-risk, we may be forced to close animal admissions for an extended time. We can, however, still offer assistance to those seeking ways to keep their pets or provide community resources to those looking to surrender pets, to those who require veterinary care, and more.
Community members are asked to participate in an upcoming Speed Dating adoption event on July 20 and July 21 from noon to 8 p.m. at the SPCA. Adoption fees will be waived for animals 1 year and older! Guest passes are not necessary.
Be patient regarding animal admissions… find alternative solutions like Rehome or let the SPCA assist with pet retention so surrendering isn’t necessary.
To report animal cruelty in Erie County, contact the SPCA Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.
The Outdoor Code is an integral part of every scout’s commitment to treat our land with respect and follow principled outdoor ethics. “I will learn about and practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife and energy. I will urge others to do the same.”
#GetYourFlirtOn
