Category: Compassion in Action

Severely-Emaciated Dog Found In Back of Van; Animal Cruelty Charges Pending as Teams Work to Save Logan’s Life

February 29, 2024
By: SPCA Communications Manager Bethany Kloc

Help Save Logan’s Life >>

Found during a traffic stop in a wheelbarrow in the back of an allegedly-stolen vehicle, Logan was barely hanging onto his life. He was so weak and emaciated that he could barely move; he could only lift his head slightly.

The SPCA’s law enforcement team was contacted about this heartbreaking case of cruelty by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and representatives from the Town of Concord earlier this week (information on cruelty charges detailed below). Looking into his eyes, we knew we had to do whatever it took to try to save this dog’s life. No matter the cost.

Due to the severity of his emaciation with a body condition score of 1/9, we transported Logan to an emergency veterinary facility for the intensive care he required. Cases of emaciation this severe are so often deceiving, and due to internal complications, a prognosis can change within mere moments.

Today marks a small victory – for the first time, Logan is up with the assistance of the emergency veterinary team. However, his journey to recovery is long, and the veterinary bills have already surpassed $3,000 and continue to climb. We’re committed to helping Logan regain his strength, but we can’t do it alone.

Logan’s life hangs in the balance, and we urgently need your support. Donations will help us save Logan and other dogs in dire need. Please give here >>, and write “Logan” in the comments.

Your generosity can help us provide the care he desperately needs. Let’s unite and give Logan the second chance at life this good boy deserves!

Animal cruelty charges are pending against Logan’s owner, who has already been charged by other law enforcement agencies on additional violations during this incident. Updates on this disturbing story of animal cruelty will be posted here as they become available.

Help Save Logan’s Life >>

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Two Amherst Men Arraigned on SPCA Charges of Animal Cruelty in Beating of Small Dog

June 29, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Erie County DA John Flynn’s Comments >>

UPDATE, Feb. 22, 2024 — The SPCA learned that Blake Hiligh and Zachary Pilarcek pleaded guilty to one count of Disorderly Conduct (violation) before Amherst Town Court Justice Ann Nichols on February 7, 2024. Both defendants were sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Additionally, Hiligh was ordered to surrender the dog.

Blake Hiligh, 19, and Zachary Pilarcek, 20, of Amherst, were arraigned in Amherst Town Court at 12 p.m. today. Both men were charged by the SPCA Serving Erie County with animal cruelty, Class A misdemeanors in accordance with Article 26, Section 353 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, in the alleged beating of a small dog.

At 11:20 p.m. June 13, an anonymous email was sent to the SPCA’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Department. The email included a video that had been posted on a Snapchat account that evening.

In the video one man, Pilarcek, a native of Endicott, NY, is speaking off-camera about damage a dog did to a couch in a Sweet Home Road apartment he shares with the dog’s owner, Hiligh, a native of Maryland, and claims he will film the punishment the dog will receive.

Hiligh, the dog’s owner, is then filmed yelling at the dog, a four-year-old buff-colored male Miniature Poodle named Kobe, and proceeds to beat him with what appears to be a leather belt.

An investigation was launched the morning of June 14 by the SPCA Serving Erie County. The email sent to the SPCA included the name of one of the individuals and provided information leading SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator Lindsey Wood to contact University at Buffalo Police officers, who received similar incident reports and fully cooperated with the SPCA investigation.

Wood, assisted by SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator Jennifer Maleskis and SPCA Agent Nicole Abrams, located Hiligh and Pilarcek the same afternoon. Both men were charged at that time. Kobe was rescued from the property and immediately transported to the SPCA Serving Erie County’s veterinary team for a full examination and any necessary treatment. Kobe is currently in the care of the SPCA at an undisclosed location and has not been surrendered to the organization.

Amherst Town Court Justice Geoffrey Klein placed a temporary order on the defendants prohibiting them from owning or caring for any animals while the case is pending. Further proceedings for Pilarcek are scheduled for Thursday, July 27 at 9:30 a.m. ; further proceedings for Hiligh are scheduled for Thursday, August 3 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. Both were released on their own recognizance as charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. There will be a bond hearing in Cheektowaga Town Court on July 6.

A press release issued by the office of Erie County District Attorney John Flynn states, “Hiligh and Pilarcek, both University at Buffalo football players, were subsequently suspended then dismissed from the program.  ‘I want to thank our partners at the SPCA for their work in this investigation and the many services that they provide to help animals in our community. I also commend the University at Buffalo and the UB Football program for taking immediate action, which further demonstrates that animal abuse will not be tolerated in this community,’ said Erie County DA John Flynn. DA Flynn commends SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigators Jennifer Maleskis and Lindsey Wood and SPCA Agent Nicole Abrams as well as University at Buffalo Police for their work in this investigation.”

Keep watching YourSPCA.org for important updates on this case.

Join us in our fight to protect animals >>

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BAN CRUEL GLUE TRAPS NOW!
From Peta.org: 

The Case Against Glue Traps

A glue trap is a small board covered with a sticky adhesive designed to ensnare any animal who wanders across its surface. These devices inflict slow, painful deaths on mice, rats, birds, chipmunks, bats, lizards, squirrels, and any other animals small enough to get caught in the glue. They can take days to die of starvation, dehydration, or blood loss, while they cry out in agony. Take steps to outlaw these cruel traps!

Make Your Voice Heard >>

 

PetNotices.com Provides New and Unique Opportunity to Memorialize Beloved Pets

January 12, 2024
By: Media Sales Plus, Inc.

Media Sales Plus, Inc., a leading provider of media sales and obituary notice services in North America, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new website dedicated to pet obituary notices and memorialization located at www.petnotices.com.

WNY.PetNotices.com provides pet lovers and their families with a platform to memorialize their pets for all eternity. The local WNY site will be part of a new global site on the web at www.petnotices.com, thereby filling a void for a global pet memorialization and services platform. Additionally, pet lovers will also have an opportunity to place the obituary notice in their local newspaper (where available, and for an additional fee) as part of an arrangement made by PetNotices.com and many of their affiliated newspaper partners across the US and Canada.

Upon arriving at www.petnotices.com, pet owners will find a simple form that will be used to tell the life story of their pet. All notices will include an option for the pet owner to upload photos, videos, obtain messages from the guest book, and the ability to share the pet notice via social media. The pet notice will then be published on the website for a one-time posting fee of $29.99 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting various pet-related causes in Western New York.

Read more about this new pet memorialization service here >>

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.



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See this story in the Buffalo News >>

Hear this story on Newsradio 930 WBEN >>

See this story on WGRZ-TV >>

See this story on WIVB-TV >>

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 >>

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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VICTORY! NYS Outlaws Wildlife Kill Contests >>


From Sierra, The Magazine of the Sierra Club:

Thousands of Wild Animals Are Killed Annually in New York for Fun; New Yorkers urge Governor Hochul to sign a wildlife killing contests bill before the end of the year

By: Lindsey Botts
November 13, 2023

Sierra magazine featured  a thorough and comprehensive article today written by Lindsey Botts, digital editor at the magazine. In the article, Botts says, “Many wildlife organizations, such as Project Coyote and the Humane Society, say most New Yorkers have no idea animals are killed in this way and warn these contests are an ineffective way to manage a species. One Humane Society survey from last year found that over 80 percent of respondents opposed wildlife killing contests. As far as impacts on livestock, the number of sheep in New York—the state’s primary livestock—has remained steady around 80,000, for years, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. And the NY Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that the state may have too many deer.  

“The coalition of advocates also says that rapacious killing is unnecessarily cruel and unethical. Small- to medium-sized predators play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems healthy. They prey on rodents such as mice, reducing the spread of ticks and Lyme disease, and they eat sick and weak animals, ensuring that healthy individuals live on the landscape. These contests also undermine the state’s ability to recover wolves, an endangered species at the federal and state levels. In December 2021, a hunter shot a wolf and told the state wildlife agency that he thought it was a coyote. ”

Read the informative article in its entirety here >>

Read the full article in Sierra >>

 

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