Category: Uncategorized

SPCA Slates Canine Parvo Vaccine Clinic for November 18

October 28, 2020
By: SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth

Canine parvovirus (commonly called parvo) is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness in puppies and dogs. It can be transmitted by any person, animal, or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces.

Puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs who are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting the virus.

On Wednesday, November 18th, the Lipsey Clinic at the SPCA Serving Erie County will host a free community Parvo vaccine clinic in an effort to keep pet dogs in the larger community healthy and vaccinated against this deadly virus.

We will serve dogs 4 months and older at this clinic. This clinic will abide by all capacity restrictions and social distancing directives to keep the humans who love and care for these pets safe and limit the risks of contracting COVID-19.

Appointments are required in order to be seen at this event. The SPCA will not be able to accommodate walk-up clients at this time.

To request an appointment, please email ParvoClinic@yourspca.org . You will receive an automatic reply detailing the process to confirm your appointment. Please note, an appointment request is not a guaranteed appointment.

Due to social distancing and capacity limitations, we will be unable to serve walk-in clients on this day. If you do not get an appointment, you are welcome to schedule a wellness visit at the Lipsey Clinic at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Masks, worn properly, are required on the SPCA Serving Erie County property. If you do not wear your mask completely covering your nose and mouth for the duration of your time at the SPCA Serving Erie County, you will be asked to leave.

We are honored to serve the pets and the humans of Erie County with dignity and with safety precautions in place.

The SPCA Serving Eeeerie County’s Scary-Good,
Spine-Tingling Cat Sale Starts October 26!

October 23, 2020
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

No tricks, all treats this week as the SPCA Serving Erie County presents its first-ever SCARY-GOOD, SPINE-TINGLING CAT SALE!

Monday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 30, adopt a boo-tiful cat three years or older at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site or any off-site adoption location, and pay the cat’s age, $1 per year! 

Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, initial worming, feline leukemia test, microchip, temporary identification tag, certificate for the new pet’s first physical examination at the Lipsey Clinic at the SPCA or another member clinic of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, the option of a 30-day pet health insurance plan, and a free bag of Purina food (while supplies last).

Adoptions at the West Seneca shelter will open at 11 a.m. each day, and the final group of potential adopters will be allowed in the cat area (depending on number of people waiting) at 4 p.m. 

And don’t let the thought of being in close proximity to too many people during the pandemic spook you. To comply with COVID occupancy guidelines and to keep visitors safe, the SPCA will continue to limit the number of visitors in the cat adoption areas at all times. When the cat rooms are at maximum occupancy, visitors can wait outdoors, or in an overflow area at the SPCA. All visitors are required to wear masks or appropriate face coverings and are asked to comply with social distancing regulations. 

See our Bewitching Beauties here >>

See our Offsite Adoption Locations here >>

See our Halloween Pet Tips here >>

 

 

 


SPCA KIND KIDS CLUB
Ages 6 – 14
Cost: $25 per child for a 1-year membership

For kids who love animals and want to create a better, more compassionate future for humans AND animals!

Kids will learn about proper animal care, safe handling, respect for wild and domesticated animals, and more, all while learning about kindness, compassion, and empathy for all living creatures!

Kids Club members receive:
-New member packet and name badge
-Official club T-shirt and birthday card from an SPCA animal ambassador
-Quarterly calendar of events mailing
-Email updates to stay informed on upcoming events and opportunities
-Discounts on school break and summer camps, plus other events for kids
-Free members-only events

Questions? Contact SPCA Humane Education Director Christine Davis:
(716) 875-7360, ext. 262 or ChristineD@yourspca.org.

REGISTER FOR KIND KIDS CLUB >>

PAROLEE ARRAIGNED ON DRUG AND ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES

October 13, 2020
By: Erie County District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Kait Munro

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 43-year-old Douglas D. Williams of Buffalo has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Amy C. Martoche on the following felony charges:

• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class “B” felonies
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” felony
• One count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class “E” felony
• One count of Permitting Animal Fighting on One’s Premises, a Class “E” felony
• Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor

The defendant was arraigned on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

The defendant was the subject of an investigation led by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. It is alleged that on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2020, the defendant was arrested during a traffic stop in the Town of Clarence and a search warrant was executed at his residence on the 2000 block of Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo. Inside the house, investigators allegedly found an illegal firearm, a scale as well as a quantity of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. Five pit bull terriers, believed to be used for dog fighting, were also allegedly found in inadequate conditions inside the home. Two other dogs were allegedly in the vehicle with the defendant at the time of his arrest.

The dogs are in the care and custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Williams is scheduled to return on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at a felony hearing. He was released on $40,000 bail posted in Buffalo City Court.

If convicted on all charges, Williams faces up to 25 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Buffalo Police Department Intel Unit, and the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the DA’s Animal Cruelty Unit.

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

Read the original story >>

DOG FIGHTING RINGLEADER AND DRUG DEALER ARRESTED

October 12, 2020
By: Erie County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Scott Zylka

Defendant is on Parole and has a Conviction for Similar Cruelty Charges

UPDATE Oct. 13: Williams Arraigned >>

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the arrest of 43-year-old Douglas Williams of Buffalo on October 9 for drug and animal cruelty charges following a month-long investigation led by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit initiated an investigation after receiving reports of armed drug dealing and dog fighting occurring at a Bailey Avenue residence. The investigation culminated in the defendant’s arrest following a traffic stop in Clarence and the execution of a search warrant at Williams’ home.

During the traffic stop on Friday, Deputies rescued two American Bull Terriers believed to be en route to Williams’ residence for dog fighting activities.

In the afternoon and following the traffic stop, the ECSO SWAT Team executed a search warrant at his dwelling where five additional dogs were rescued. The dogs showed signs of severe abuse. Also recovered in the raid was a loaded 9mm handgun, cocaine, fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia.

Williams was arrested and charged with felony counts of:
• Criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell;
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance; and
• Criminal possession of a loaded firearm.

He was also charged with felony counts of:
• Aggravated cruelty to animals; and
• Permitting animal fighting on one’s premises.

In addition to the felony counts, he is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal use of drug paraphernalia.

The defendant was taken to the Erie County Holding Center and was released on October 10, following his arraignment and posting $40,000.00 bail/bond.

Williams is currently on parole for his involvement in a violent home invasion. He has a previous conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals and two separate federal convictions for firearm possession.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is treating and caring for the terriers.

Williams’ arrest resulted from an investigation conducted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Buffalo Police Department’s Intel Unit, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, and The SPCA Serving Erie County.

 

SPCA-To-Go Backpacks

SPCA-To-Go Backpacks let kids ages five through 16 bring the fun of the SPCA home with them in an engaging, screen-free way!

Six different backpacks include a minimum of five activities, art projects and the opportunity to explore. Materials required for all the activities are included in the backpacks, along with an activity guide with step-by-step instructions and ideas for continued exploring once backpack activities are complete.

Backpacks include:

ART AND ANIMALS
Ages 5 – 12
$30.00
This is a self-paced activity backpack for animal lovers who have a creative side. Kids will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively through fun and impactful crafts and activities. Craft materials and instruction will be included in each backpack.

BACK TO NATURE: EXPLORING YOUR BACKYARD
Ages 5 – 12
$30.00
Discover the natural beauty that surrounds us! This is a self-paced activity backpack that will surely let children walk on the wild side. Kids will have the opportunity to explore, learn, help, and appreciate the beauty of nature and our wild neighbors right in our own backyards.

SERVICE PROJECT
Ages 9 – 16
$30.00
There are many ways to help animals. Now, kids can help animals and earn service hours for the school year! This backpack is for kids who would enjoy creating enrichment items for the animals at the SPCA as they wait for their new families to find them.

MEDIA MUTTS MINI-CAMP
Ages 9 – 14
$30.00
This backpack offers a variety of multimedia fun for kids who enjoy art and theater. Participants will create animal-themed videos and take part in a variety of other fun projects and media camp challenges! This is for kids who love to create!

ANIMAL HELPERS
Ages 6 – 10
$30.00
Kids will learn and practice the five elements of care and responsible pet ownership by caring for their very own pet plushie for the week. Each day, they will explore a different component of care through hands-on activities, crafts, and experiments.

INTRO TO VETERINARY SCIENCE
Ages 8 – 14
$40.00
Does your child want to be a veterinarian? This backpack provides a wonderful, age-appropriate introduction to veterinary medicine. Through interactive STEM activities, crafts, and experiments, children learn the importance of proper care and disease prevention. They’ll be educated on how proper nutrition helps keep dogs and cats healthy, and what foods might be harmful for our pets. They will also practice appropriate actions to take if a pet gets hurt, and learn safety rules when working with animals.

The health and safety of our participants are our primary concerns, so all backpack materials have been disinfected and handled by healthy staff members wearing masks and gloves.

Backpacks will be available via curbside pickup, or can be delivered within Erie County at an additional cost. Backpacks can also be shipped at an additional cost.

CURBSIDE PICKUP
Curbside pickup will be available at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter Monday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

DELIVERY
Delivery is only offered for locations within Erie County, NY.

SHIPPING
If you live inside or outside of Erie County, NY,  and  you are unable to pick up your backpack at the SPCA, you may wish to have your backpack shipped to you. Backpacks are shipped at an additional fee to be determined.

Register for your child’s backpack here . For more information, contact SPCA Director of Humane Education Christine Davis: 716-875-7360, ext. 262 or ChristineD@yourspca.org . 

GET YOUR BACKPACK(S) HERE!
 

From the SPCA’s Humane Education Department regarding the safety of your children:
“The SPCA Serving Erie County has and always has had strict cleaning and safety policies in place due to the nature of animal sheltering and the potential for zoonotic disease exposure. During the age of COVID-19, we will follow all CDC guidelines and recommendations, require masks, require social distancing, and will temperature-check and screen for COVID prior to entry. In addition, extensive sanitizing protocols are in place, including sanitizing areas before and after use, to keep our participants and staff safe and healthy while participating in any in-person program.”

October 7, 2020 — The SPCA Serving Erie County is unable to admit felines experiencing Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) at this time. The SPCA’s Vice President of Veterinary Services, Melanie Rushforth, shares the following:

In an effort to illustrate the mission of the SPCA Serving Erie County, and to care for the pets in the shelter (both medically and behaviorally) at any given time, the Veterinary Services Department has made the decision to cease accepting surrenders for felines experiencing feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) at this time.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is not a single disease process but a term used to describe a group of different diseases involving the feline urinary bladder and urethra. Caretakers and citizens within the community often refer to this as having “a blocked cat.” Blockages can present as partial or full obstructions.

Partial obstructions can occasionally be treated medically with pain medication and drugs to relax the urinary tract. Complete urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency.

Obstructed cats can rapidly have cardiac arrest as a result of electrolyte imbalances. Kidney failure and rupture of the bladder are other possible consequences.

Successful management depends on a long-term commitment and a joint approach with the cat’s care provider and the veterinary team but will generally require a multimodal strategy in a stress-free environment.

This is a highly distressing condition for both the cat and the caretaker. The best success rates are achieved by making an accurate diagnosis, so the most appropriate treatment can be prescribed. Management must be multimodal, including identifying and controlling underlying medical disorders, using dietary management, identifying and alleviating stressors in the cat’s environment and modifying where appropriate.

Veterinary Services is committed to reexamining this policy in the future, and will continue to take the health and well-being of the animal into high consideration when making any changes to our standard policy and procedure.

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