Category: Uncategorized

FOURTH OF JULY, OUTDOOR FESTIVALS: No Party for Pets

July 1, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The days immediately following July 4 can result in increased numbers of stray animals admitted to animal control facilities and humane societies, and often the explosive sound of fireworks is to blame. Fireworks cause many pets to panic, resulting in extreme and sometimes dangerous escape measures from homes or yards. Without identification, it is nearly impossible to reunite pet with owner.  Please keep the following tips in mind this holiday:

* ENSURE ALL ANIMALS ARE WEARING CURRENT IDENTIFICATION! Even if the animal has microchip identification, place a collar with an ID tag on your pet. If a neighbor or passer-by finds your animal, an ID collar that includes your phone number can lead to a faster reunion. Remember, don’t limit a search for a lost pet to your geographical location! A frightened animal that bolts can travel long distances, and well-meaning community members trying to help may also transport the animal to an animal control facility or veterinary clinic in a different neighborhood. Find local animal control facilities here >>. 

* DON’T TAKE ANIMALS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS. The sounds and sights of fireworks often have the ability to turn the most calm, quiet, and non-aggressive pet into a stressed, frightened animal. A startled animal may not only break free and run away, but may also bite.

If you bring your dog to these events and realize it’s becoming too overwhelming for him or her, DO NOT KEEP YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME! The effects of heatstroke on even slightly warm days begin within mere minutes. and the results could be fatal.  Stressed animals confined to cars can not only die or suffer severe brain damage, but can also experience an overwhelming stress level that can cause physical harm to the pet, and/or damage to the vehicle’s interior. Home is the safest place for pets this holiday.

* HAVE SOMEONE HOME WITH NERVOUS PETS DURING FIREWORKS. If the animal is with someone he or she knows, the pet’s stress level will be greatly reduced. Keep the volume on a television or radio turned up to block some of the noise. ThunderShirts®  reportedly work to calm the anxiety felt by some dogs and cats when they can hear fireworks, thunder, even when they experience separation anxiety, and can be found in many local pet supply shops and online. 

* NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES FOR HOUNDS. The headphones, which must be ordered in advance based on each dog’s specific measurements, contain Bluetooth technology which allows owners to stream their dogs’ most calming musical selections (decibal reduction for the dogs provide a “whisper volume”) directly into their ears.  A simple online search will direct pet owners to the various companies offering these headphones.

Very hot weather paired with immense crowds of people and loud, strange noises heighten the stress level for many animals.  Your pet’s body is closer to the asphalt and can heat up quickly. The hot pavement can also burn unprotected, sensitive paw pads. Home is the safest place for pets on extremely hot days and during arts festivals, food festivals, other crowded outdoor events, and especially fireworks displays.

If you witness animal cruelty or see any animal in need of rescue or emergency assistance this summer, the SPCA Serving Erie County may be able to help. Please call the SPCA Monday through Saturday,
8 a.m. – 4:30  p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

See the SPCA’s additional, important reminders for keeping pets safe in the summer heat here >>

 

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

SPCA Issues Summer Reminders Designed to Keep Pets Safe

June 19, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Temperatures are often in the high 80s and sometimes even low 90s in Buffalo and the surrounding area each summer. While many are happy with the warm weather, it’s important to remember pets don’t fare as well as some of their owners on these warm days. Please keep the following hot weather pets tips in mind and share with pet owners you know:

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW IN NEW YORK STATE TO LEAVE ANIMALS IN A VEHICLE IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES, HOT OR COLD >>

HEATSTROKE CAN KILL, AND FAST. Most pet owners realize that keeping pets in hot cars can kill them…but not many realize just how quickly the effects of heatstroke can set in for a dog or cat. And we’re not only referring to 80-degree days; animals suffer heatstroke even on much cooler days.

Heatstroke is a condition animals begin to suffer gradually, but it accelerates quickly. It’s easy for early signs of heatstroke to go unrecognized, and for the pet to be in an emergency situation within mere minutes. The image below is provided courtesy of VeterinaryClinic.com; please click on the image for a downloadable copy of this chart:

On warm days, a vehicle acts like an oven.  It holds the heat inside, and that heat becomes very intense even on days that don’t seem too warm. On an 85-degree day, even parked in the shade with the windows open, the temperature inside a car will climb to 104 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 119 degrees in 30 minutes.  With the humidity we experience here in Buffalo, it may go even higher.  Because a dog’s normal body temperature is 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, he can withstand a body temperature of 107-108 degrees for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage…or death.

The typical signs of heatstroke are:
– Panting – High body temperature
– Dehydration – Red mouth/eye membranes
– Rapid, irregular heart rate – Diarrhea and/or vomiting
– Weakness, looking dazed, confusion – Comatose state

If your pet begins exhibiting any of these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately.

CAN I LEGALLY BREAK INTO A CAR TO SAVE A SUFFERING ANIMAL? Currently, while a handful of states allow good Samaritans to legally break car windows in an effort to save a suffering animal, New York is, unfortunately, NOT one of those states.

If you see an animal alone in a vehicle in extreme temperatures:

-Immediately record the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number, and record the time you first noticed the animal(s) alone in the vehicle.

-Next, immediately call 911 to report the incident. If the vehicle is located in Erie County, NY and the time is between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., contact the SPCA Serving Erie County as well: (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

-If you are at a location with a public announcement system (a retail establishment, office, public event, etc.), provide managers, directors, employees, or event coordinators with the details of the situation, and ask for a public announcement that the animal in the vehicle is in severe distress.

-If possible, stay at the scene until help arrives.

PORCHES AND YARDS: Short stays ONLY!

Use caution during warm weather months when allowing animals outside for short sessions in yards or on porches. Never leave them outside extended periods of time. Ensure appropriate shade and water are always available. Keep close supervision of your pet when outdoors on hot, humid, sunny summer days, and around inground pools. If you see an animal left on a porch or in a yard with no access to shelter or water, or with inadequate shelter or water, the SPCA may be able to intervene in accordance with New York State’s Animal Shelter Law.

Contact the SPCA immediately if the location is within Erie County Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

Read more about the Animal Shelter Law here.

And remember…pets can get sunburned too. Speak with your veterinarian about applying animal-safe sunblock to your pet’s sun-sensitive areas, such as nose and ears, even when the animal is only outdoors for short sessions.

ADMINISTER FLEA PREVENTION PRODUCTS CORRECTLY! It wasn’t long ago that the SPCA received two cats on death’s door after cheap, incorrect flea products purchased from deep discount stores were applied. The SPCA has already received several phone calls this season from people who misapplied flea products to their pets.   DO NOT APPLY PRODUCTS MEANT FOR DOGS ON CATS, AND DO NOT APPLY CAT FLEA PRODUCTS TO DOGS, AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CONCERNING THE VOLUME AND MANNER OF APPLICATION!  Read the directions carefully PRIOR to application, not during application. The application of improper flea products, low-quality flea products, or products applied incorrectly, can cause internal damage or death to your pet. Always consult a veterinarian before purchasing and applying flea products.

This tip and photo came to us in the summer of 2019 from Patrick in South Dayton, NY

USE CAUTION WHEN PURCHASING SUMMER PET TOYS.  Low-quality flea products are not the only items that shouldn’t be purchased at deep discount stores and other locations. Some pet toys are not durable enough to withstand a pet’s play, such as this disc dog toy purchased in 2019, which, according to the pet owner who purchased the toy, “…shattered like a mirror” the first time his dogs caught the toy. Be sure the toys you purchase for your pets are safe and sturdy.

KEEP PETS HOME DURING OUTDOOR FESTIVALS.  Art festivals, food festivals, summer fireworks displays, and other crowded outdoor events are no places for dogs.  Extremely hot weather, paired with immense crowds of people and strange noises and scents, heightens the stress level for many animals; the repetitive, exploding sound of fireworks is enough to make even the calmest animal frantic and sometimes aggressive. Your pet’s body is closer to the asphalt and can heat up much more quickly.

The hot pavement can also burn unprotected, sensitive paw pads when dogs are on pavement for any period of time. Test the pavement! Place your hand on the pavement for ten seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Check out this photo from a June, 2019 post on WGRZ-TV and click on the photo for the full story:

DON’T FORCE EXERCISE, primarily after a meal or in hot, humid weather. Instead, exercise pets in the cool of the early morning or evening. Be extra-sensitive to older and overweight animals, or those prone to heart or respiratory problems. Bring an ample supply of water along on the walk. For cool, indoor walks, bring pets to shop at the SPCA’s Petique or other pet-friendly stores.

BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU WALK! Avoid walking your dog in areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals (see below), or have puddles or spots of auto coolant. The sweet taste of poisonous liquids attracts animals and can sicken or kill them if ingested. Clean any spills immediately or consider using animal-friendly products to help minimize risks.

Unfortunately, the use of wild rat poisons also increases during warm-weather months, which poses potential hazards for your pets. Be mindful of any poisons your pet(s) can reach on your property and other properties. Read the Humane Society of the United States’ recommendations on alternatives to rodent poisons here >>

WATCH WHAT THEY EAT & DRINK! It wasn’t long ago that two family dogs in North Buffalo died after eating poisonous mushrooms (amanita) growing right in the backyard. Check yards and any areas pets frequent. If something looks suspicious, don’t take a chance….GET RID OF IT. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of contaminated animals. The bacteria can get into water (puddles, ponds, pools, etc.) or soil and survive there for months. Humans AND animals can be infected. Use caution when letting your pet drink, walk through, or swim in water that may have been exposed to infected animals (rodents, wildlife, infected domestic animals, and others).

KEEP YOUR PET WELL-GROOMED AND CLEAN to combat summer skin problems. If your dog’s coat is appropriate, cutting his hair to a one-inch length will help prevent overheating and will also allow you to watch for fleas and ticks. Don’t shave down to the skin, though; your pet can get sunburned (see below)! A cat should be brushed frequently to keep a tangle-free coat. Long-haired cats will be more comfortable with a stylish, summer clip.

WEED OUT TOXIC SUMMER LAWN/GARDEN PURCHASES! When purchasing lawn and garden products, always read the labels for ingredients toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals, and check that flowers and shrubs are safe too. Fertilizers, weed killers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals can be fatal to your pets. Weed out the toxic products from your garage, and learn more about non-toxic, pet-friendly seasonal items. Snail, slug, and rat/mouse baits, and ant/roach baits and traps are also hazardous. Metaldehyde, one of the poisonous ingredients in many baits, is often very appealing to pets, and metaldehyde poisoning can cause increased heart rate, breathing complications, seizures, liver complications, and death. Considering cocoa shell mulch? Remember, the ingredients in chocolate that are toxic to pets are often present in the mulch. If insect and nuisance animal control items must be purchased, keep them in locations impossible for pets to reach.

KEEP CORN COBS AWAY FROM DOGS! In August of 2013, SPCA veterinarians removed corn cobs from the intestines of not one but TWO dogs! Both survived, but without veterinary treatment the results could have been fatal. Read this article from VetsNow.com  discussing the dangers of corn cobs and corn to dogs.

DO NOT USE HUMAN INSECT REPELLENTS ON PETS! These items are toxic when ingested at high doses, and dogs and cats may lick it off and ingest it, potentially resulting in a toxicity. Read more about what you can use here.

BUNNIES NEED TO KEEP COOL TOO! Pet rabbits who live indoors with no air conditioning can benefit from an easy cooling technique. Rabbit owners can freeze a filled water bottle. Once the water bottle is frozen, it can be wrapped in a cloth and placed on the rabbit’s cage floor. If the rabbit becomes too warm, she’ll instinctively know to lie next to the bottle. Fans can also be pointed in the general direction of a rabbit cage, and rabbits will raise their ears (their natural cooling system) to catch the breeze and cool off. On hot days, pet owners with rabbits living in outdoor pens will want to ensure their pets are cool enough in outdoor locations; if not, rabbits and pens should come indoors.

If you witness animal cruelty this summer, including animals left outdoors extended periods of time with inappropriate shelter in yards or on porches, the SPCA Serving Erie County may be able to help. If the location is in Erie County, contact the SPCA  Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214. Other times, please contact your local animal control agency, police department, or your local after-hours emergency clinic.

 

Many people have asked for an adult version of our popular Tale for Two program, and we’re thrilled to deliver! We’ve expanded our programs to bring you Adult Tale for Two, a unique opportunity for older teens and adults to unwind, de-stress, and enjoy some quiet time with shelter animals.

You’ll have the chance to relax in a designated reading area and spend time near the animals you’d most like to relax with, whether it’s our cats, our dogs, or even our small animals! Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our animals, as your participation helps them get accustomed to human presence and socialization, making them more adoptable!

How it works:

– Join us on Tuesdays for a 45-minute session! The cost per session is $15. The available times are
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.

– Find a comfortable spot in the SPCA!

– Spend 45 minutes reading a book, working on homework, or catching up on work, all while enjoying the company of our adoptable animals. (Please note: For the safety and comfort of both our animals and participants, you will be reading in designated areas outside of the kennels and will not be able to sit inside dog kennels during your session.)

Sign up for a session here!

Have a question? Send an email to our Humane Education Department or call them at (716) 875-7360, ext. 245!

Looking for information about our Tale for Two program for children? Click here! >>

SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Vets & Pets

May 20, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

To thank the members of the armed services this Memorial Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County once again offers Vets & Pets, waiving adoption fees on most animals for individuals and immediate families of individuals on active duty, reserves, and honorable discharge, along with service-disabled veterans and those retired from military service! This program, a longtime SPCA tradition, is proudly presented by the kind, caring, and patriotic folks at Northtown Subaru.

“In addition to delivering exceptional automotive services, we are committed to fostering positive transformations within our community, dedicated to spreading warmth and compassion to all. As part of the Northtown family, we consistently rise to meet the needs of others, and are committed to the support of the SPCA Serving Erie County and its invaluable initiatives such as Vet and Pets,” says Harold Erbacher, Co-owner of Northtown Automotive Companies.

Vets & Pets begins Saturday, May 24 and runs through Saturday, May 31* at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location (off-site locations are not included in this campaign).

Photos of adoptable animals can be found here >>.

Adoption hours can be found here >>.

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 Zak Sprowls with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 203.

*Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The SPCA is closed Sunday and Monday, May 25 and 26. Final guest passes for those wishing to adopt from the SPCA’s West Seneca location are issued one hour prior to closing.

#SPCACompassionInAction

ASK LEGISLATORS TO KEEP COMPANION ANIMAL CAPITAL FUND IN BUDGET, ADD ANIMAL CRIMES FUND 



UPDATE May 8, 2025 — In an exciting email this morning, New York State Animal Protection Federation Executive Director Libby Post shared that our advocacy efforts worked! There is now $10 million approved for the Companion Animal Capital Fund after the NYS Legislature proposed an additional $5 million be added to the existing $5 million designated by Gov. Kathy Hochul! Thank you to Senator Joseph Addabbo, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Senator Michelle Hinchey, and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo for their work in helping to aquire this additional funding. At this time, no funding has been approved for an Animal Crimes Fund, but future advocacy efforts will be initiated at a later time. A special thanks to the friends of the SPCA Serving Erie County for showing incredible support in achieving this Companion Animal Capital Fund victory!

Submit form to senators and assemblymembers urging funding for companion animals >>

More on 2025 Companion Animal Capital Fund and Animal Crimes Fund >>

Companion animals need your voice *NOW!*

The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) and the SPCA Serving Erie County need your help!

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul included $5 million in the state budget for the Companion Animal Capital Fund, the only fund of its kind in the country that supports capital projects at rescues, shelters, and humane societies such as our SPCA Serving Erie County. This increases organizations’ ability to provide proper care to hundreds of thousands of companion animals throughout the state of New York. Due to the number of qualified organizations in the state, the total, while generous, can be exhausted quickly.

The New York State Legislature added $5 million to the state budget to bring the total to ten million dollars, doubling the amount of money that can be placed towards caring for animals in need in New York State. Now it’s important that this additional five million dollars stay in the budget.

Additionally, the NYSAPF is asking for $2.5 million to help with costs associated with rescuing and caring for abused animals that are victims of animal cruelty cases as part of the Animal Crimes Fund. 

CAN YOU HELP US ENSURE THIS FUNDING IS IN THE NEW YORK STATE BUDGET FOR 2025?

Action needs to be taken as soon as possible, before April 1, 2025! We need your voice today to ensure New York State can help us care for animals in need! 

TAKE ACTION

Those interested in encouraging lawmakers to keep the full Companion Animal Capital Fund and add the Animal Crimes Fund to the New York State budget can add their voice to thousands who want to ensure animals are cared for. Contact lawmakers using an on-line, pre-written form here >>

Send a message to lawmakers here >>

Batter Up: Buffalo Bisons Hold Four Dog Days at the Park to Benefit SPCA!

Get ready for tail-wagging fun at Sahlen Field! The Buffalo Bisons are teaming up with the SPCA Serving Erie County to host four special Dog Days at the Park throughout the baseball season. These fan-favorite events offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy America’s pastime alongside your pup while supporting the SPCA!

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times:

– Wednesday, May 14 at 6:05 p.m.

– Wednesday, July 2 at 6:35 p.m.

– Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:35 p.m.

– Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6:05 p.m.

Dog owners are invited to bring their “Most Valuable Dog” (MVD) and purchase General Admission tickets to sit together in the designated right field corner. Regular seating will be available in section 120 for those attending without a dog.

Beyond enjoying a Bisons game, attendees will have the chance to support the SPCA Serving Erie County directly!

Purchase your tickets here and a portion of the proceeds will support the SPCA!

Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in 50/50 raffles at the ballpark, with proceeds benefiting the animals in the SPCA’s care!

Get ready to cheer on the Bisons and support the SPCA – it’s sure to be a home run!

BISSELL Pet Foundation Launches New York Intrastate Transport Program to Help Long-Stay Shelter Pets Find Homes
NY shelters and rescues join lifesaving effort to increase adoptions

FEB. 20, 2025 – BISSELL Pet Foundation, in collaboration with animal shelters and rescues across New York, is proud to announce the launch of a new intrastate transport program aimed at increasing adoption opportunities for long-stay shelter pets.

A recent report from Shelter Animals Count reveals that dogs of all sizes are staying in the care of shelters and rescues longer than they have in previous years. Nationwide, dog adoptions have declined by 1% from 2023 to 2024, with medium-sized dogs averaging 18 days in shelters and larger dogs averaging 20 days. Many New York shelters are caring for healthy, adoptable dogs who have been waiting for more than 30 days for a second chance at a loving home. To address this challenge, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s New York Intrastate Transport Program – Long-Stay Pet Initiative offers a collaborative platform for animal welfare organizations throughout the state to increase adoptions by coordinating the transfer of long-stay pets to locations where they may have a better chance of being adopted.

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 19, participating shelters, including the SPCA Serving Erie County, and rescues in New York will list their long-stay pets on BISSELL Pet Foundation’s platform. Once selected, these pets will be transported to new organizations increasing their chances of finding families. Community members are encouraged to visit their local shelters regularly, as new pets will continually be transferred in as part of the program.

“At BISSELL Pet Foundation, we know transport saves lives because we have seen it firsthand. Too many shelter pets are overlooked simply because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Transport offers a second chance by introducing them to new adopters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “We spent three years developing a platform to make intrastate transport easier for shelters, helping them diversify their populations to increase adoptions. Every pet deserves a chance, and we’re proud to provide a solution that helps shelters save more lives. If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, please visit your local shelter to adopt or foster.”

This initiative is part of BISSELL Pet Foundation’s mission to alleviate shelter overcrowding and increase adoptions. New York animal welfare organizations not yet part of the program are encouraged to join by contacting info@bissellpetfoundation.org.

For more information about BISSELL Pet Foundation, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

###

Get ready for a birthday party that’s both fun and makes a difference! At the SPCA Serving Erie County, our birthday parties are a blast for animal lovers of all ages – whether you’re celebrating your sixth birthday or you’re turning a sensational 106! You and your guests will have a paw-some time learning about our work and how we help animals and people in our community!

What to Expect

Every party kicks off with a warm welcome from one of our Humane Educators! Guests will explore the SPCA, meet an amazing animal ambassador, and tour our adoptable animal areas and barn. Then, it’s off to our education room for a fun, age-appropriate humane education activity – pre-selected by the birthday guest! The birthday star will also get a photo with an ambassador animal, a special gift, and a photo of an SPCA animal for all of the party guests to sign. And the best part? They’ll get to name one of our homeless pets and receive a photo to follow their journey to adoption online!

Party Packages

– Package 1: 1.5-hour Party, $250: Includes 60 minutes of facilitated activities and 30 minutes for cake, gifts, etc.

– Package 2: 2-hour Party, $325: Includes 90 minutes of facilitated activities and 30 minutes for cake, gifts, etc.

Our party packages accommodate up to twelve children (including the birthday child) and three adults. Additional children, 11 to 15, are $10 each, and additional adults are $5 each. To ensure a great experience for everyone, parties are limited to 18 guests.

Digital SPCA birthday invitations and thank you cards (available upon request via email).

Party Schedule

Parties can be scheduled:

– Fridays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

– Saturdays: 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

90-minute parties will be scheduled within these time blocks.

What We Provide

We provide the party room, basic decorations (including generic tablecloths), compostable paper products (plates, napkins, and cups), and utensils. Families are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, and additional decorations to personalize the party room. A Humane Educator will be assigned to your party to ensure a fantastic experience for everyone.

Personal decorations: If you’d like us to set up your own decorations, please drop them off one week in advance to the SPCA’s Humane Education Department, 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca.

Optional Party Favors

– Goody Bag ($5 per guest): Cat, dog, or small mammal-themed goody bag.

– Best Friend Stuffed Animal Adoption: Includes a stuffed animal, carrier, and adoption certificate. ($10/guest for small dog or cat; $15/guest for large dog or cat)*

– Crafting with Animals: Supplies for making crafts for our adoptable animals. ($5/guest)*

– Pet Painting: Canvas and paint for each guest. ($12/guest)*

* These options are only available for the 2-hour parties.

Important Note

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising all attendees at all times.

Ready to Book Your Party?

The fun starts here! >>

Questions?

Send an email to the Humane Education Department here. >>

Cancellations and Refunds

– Cancellations 4+ weeks prior: Refund minus a $75 administrative fee.

– Cancellations 2-4 weeks prior: 50% refund.

– Cancellations less than 2 weeks prior: No refund; full party fee forfeited.

SPCA Officer William Heine Retires After 20 Years of Service

Senior Investigator Heine (l) on his last day at the SPCA, receiving a commemorative plaque from Chief Wood


January 30, 2025 — Today we say goodbye to someone who has dedicated 20 years of his life to caring for animals, rescuing them from life-threatening circumstances, loving them, comforting them, sometimes risking his own well-being to save them.

Officer William Heine started at the SPCA in 2005. He worked in the Animal Care Department, ensuring the animals were fed, clean, happy, and healthy. “I knew I wanted to do more,” says Heine. “After three years I moved into Animal Rescue, and within one year I went to school to become a New York State Peace Officer. That same year, I was licensed through the state and became an SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator.”

Officer Heine and Millie the goat

Heine recalled several favorite memories of working at the SPCA for two decades. “One of my favorite memories is how I found the cat I now own. About nine years ago, I was called out to Derby at 2 a.m. to pick up a box of abandoned kittens. The person who found them told me there were four or five kittens in the box, but I only found four.” Heine searched his rescue vehicle high and low in case there was, in fact, a fifth kitten that had escaped the box. He found nothing, and assumed there were four kittens in all. “Four days later I left paperwork on a clipboard in the van. When I went to the van to retrieve it, I saw muddy pawprints on the paperwork, and I instantly knew who left them. I KNEW there was a kitten hiding in that van who had been petrified over coming out.” After another painstaking search, Heine found the tiny kitten, brought her home, fostered her, and, said Heine, “She became my shadow! She’s my Kit Kat!”

A case four years ago also quickly came to Heine’s mind. “I received a tip that dogs were regularly being trained and fought at a residence in Buffalo. One afternoon I drove to the property to see if I could find any evidence of the alleged acts, but could find nothing. I went to the Buffalo Police to ask them to monitor the property, which they did; each week they would provide me with information, but there wasn’t enough that would allow me to further an investigation.”

Just when it seemed there was nothing more that could be done, everything changed. “One week, a detective unrelated to this case realized we, too, were looking for information on this property, a site he was monitoring. He contacted me and shared information on his interest in the property. We ended up working closely together for several weeks. In the end, our SPCA worked with Buffalo Police, Erie County Sheriffs, and the captain from Erie County’s Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau. Because so many agencies worked together, we were able to locate five dogs at the property, plus two additional dogs owned by this person who was ultimately arrested.”

Heine said that, in addition to helping these dogs and future dogs who may have been harmed by this criminal, what he found memorable was the collaboration of so many agencies, and he values the relationships formed with other officers, friendships he maintains to this day.

Officer Heine on an exciting wildlife release

Heine’s favorite part of being an SPCA Serving Erie County representative? Educating members of the public. “So much of what we do is not just related to prosecution, it’s related to education. There are times people are completely unaware that what they’re doing or not doing could be harmful to their pets, and these are the people I enjoy helping. Plus, the SPCA is doing so much now to help with vaccines, food, medical assistance…we’re able to do so much more to help people keep their animals.”

In fact, it’s people Heine will miss once he officially retires today. “I’ll truly miss the people here at the SPCA, my co-workers…especially the people in my department. We see things a lot of people do not see. It brings us closer together. We have to lean on each other to get through some days.”

What is Heine most thankful for as he looks back on his career? “I’m so grateful just for the opportunity to be an investigator. It’s a very rewarding career, something that’s not for everybody, for sure. The SPCA gave me the incredible opportunity to move forward in this position, and for that I’m extremely thankful.”

A tearful tribute to Officer Heine by Chief Wood this morning

SPCA Chief Lindsey Wood congratulates Heine on his retirement. “It’s well-deserved,” Wood says. “As our leading Senior Investigator, Bill’s commitment to saving the lives of animals and assisting in educating the community will be sorely missed. We look forward to our continued partnership as he transitions from his daily role as officer to his new role as volunteer!” And Wood’s personal note to Heine? “Bill, thank you for always being one phone call away for everyone. I will miss your daily ‘dad’ jokes!”

Officer Heine, your dedication, loyalty, and commitment are admirable, and we can’t begin to count the hundreds if not thousands of animals you’ve helped for two decades. You’ve spent 20 years of your life taking care of others…other people and animals. Thank you for your compassion, skill, and professionalism. It has been a tremendous honor to have you on our team, and so many of us are privileged to call you our friend. We wish you luck as you begin your retirement. And we’ll have your volunteer name tag ready when you are.

— Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County

Get Email Updates

Share