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APRIL’S KINDNESS CAMP HAS BEEN FILLED!
Please see below for information on our summer sessions of Kindness Camp!

AGES 5-7 REGISTRATION FILLED!


AGES 8-11 REGISTRATION FILLED!

A unique learning experience for children with at least one thing in common: THEIR LOVE FOR ANIMALS! Children will learn about a variety of animal-related topics while meeting and interacting with cool animals, learning to understand and appreciate the unique bond we share! Register children for one day, two days, or all days! Just select the appropriate button or click the image above!

INFO ON SUMMER CAMP

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

Is your resolution to find new love in the new year?

Ready for some unconditional love, tail wags, and wet nose boops?

Now’s the perfect time to find your new best dog friend at the SPCA! We’re overflowing with adorable, adoptable dogs just waiting to shower you with affection!

And guess what? Thanks to our generous friends at Northtown Automotive, adopting your new pup is even more affordable!

Here’s the scoop!

From now until Tuesday, Jan. 21 (or until 50 dogs are adopted), you can snag $50 OFF your dog adoption fee! It’s easy:

– Before visiting the dogs at the SPCA, simply register with Favordrop. Keep an eye on your inbox! You’ll get an email within 24 hours with details on how to get your Favordrop. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your spam or junk folder. This QR code is valid for two weeks. (If not used within two weeks, you can simply re-register for a new code.) This $50 is courtesy of our generous friends at Northtown Automotive!

Get your Favordrop code here!

– Visit us! Come down to the SPCA and meet our amazing dogs. We have pups of all ages, shapes, sizes, and personalities!

– Adopt and save! When you’re ready to make it official, present your Favordrop QR code (sent to your email) at the adoption desk and receive $50 off your new dog’s adoption fee!

View our adoptable dogs!

Don’t wait! This special offer ends Tuesday, Jan. 21. Come find your new dog today and experience the joy of adoption!

The $50 off offer is valid until Thursday, Jan. 21, 2025 or until the first 50 dogs are adopted. Must register with Favordrop to receive QR code. Offer presented by Northtown Automotive. A special thank you to Favordrop for their contribution and their support of animal adoptions!

Hamburg Woman Arraigned on Animal Cruelty Charges for Causing Death of Dog Left Inside Hot Vehicle

UPDATE November 18, 2024:  From the office of Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane — Joy Bickert appeared Thursday, Nov. 14 in Orchard Park Town Court. The matter was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) on the conditions of a one year no animal order and 15 hours of community service. 

September 5, 2024

From the office of Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane — Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 49-year-old Joy A. Bickert of Hamburg was arraigned on Tuesday evening before Orchard Park Town Court Justice Michael Pastrick 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).

It is alleged that on Friday, June 21, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the defendant went to a veterinarian in the Village of Hamburg after she found her dog unresponsive in her vehicle. The dog, an approximately 2-year-old female mixed breed Bulldog named “Eleanor,” died after she was allegedly left inside of a parked vehicle with the windows closed for several hours on Southwestern Boulevard in the Town of Orchard Park. The defendant was later charged and issued an appearance ticket.

Bickert is scheduled to return on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for further proceedings. She was released on her own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Bickert faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

“This is a heartbreaking case involving the death of a pet who was trapped inside of a vehicle on a hot summer day in Western New York. But these situations are preventable tragedies. I remind everyone, especially in the summer months, to double check their backseat for children and pets before exiting their vehicles,” said Acting DA Mike Keane.

Acting DA Keane commends the SPCA Serving Erie County, SPCA Animal Cruelty Senior Investigator William Heine and Chief Lindsey Wood, Town of Hamburg Dog Control, Village of Hamburg Police Department, and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University for their work in this investigation.

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

More from the Erie County DA’s Office >>

 

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

November 1, 2024
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

To thank the members of the armed services this Veterans 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 Moog.

“At Moog, we believe in the power of community and compassion,” said Jennifer Walter, EVP and chief finance officer at Moog. “The Vets & Pets initiative at the SPCA Serving Erie County is a wonderful opportunity to honor our veterans while helping these individuals find loyal companions. We are proud to support this meaningful cause.”

Vets & Pets begins Monday, November 11, and runs through Saturday, November 16* 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 Senior Director of Operations Mindy Ussrey with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 210.

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

#SPCACompassionInAction

When a Surprise Rooster Reveal Requires Rehoming

October 16, 2024
By: SPCA Educational Farm Manager Heather Silverthorn

Our friends at Lollypop Farm in Rochester shared the following post on their social media platforms not long ago:

“Over the past couple of months, Lollypop Farm has seen a large increase in roosters needing to be rehomed due to the fact that people have found themselves with a ‘surprise rooster’ in their flock. In fact, from July 1st through [August 29] we had 28 rooster surrender inquiries. Wondering how this might happen?

When someone purchases chicks, they may be told that they are getting all females, but sexing chicks is difficult, so it’s common to end up with at least one rooster in the mix. This can lead to issues like flock imbalance. Ten hens (female) to one rooster (male) is the most common ratio for a flock, and if there is more than one rooster, it may lead to unwanted behaviors like fighting. That being said, if roosters were raised together and get along well, you may be able to adjust the ratio. The most important part is making sure the flock is happy and has enough space to thrive.

Another common reason “surprise roosters” may become a problem is when people are unknowingly violating zoning laws. These laws include a part about noise levels. Have you ever heard a rooster crow?! The sound can be very loud.” See the full post here >>

We at the SPCA Serving Erie County are in a similar predicament. We, too, have been getting an influx of phone calls and drop-ins by people with questions about surrendering their surprise roosters! While we love our feathered friends, we absolutely want them to be in a home where they are best suited.

We always encourage our community to get animals they will love and that will make their homes a happier place. However, where these animals are obtained, along with what is allowed in your town/village/city, can play a big part in choosing our feathered/furred friends. We highly recommend skipping local stores in search of chicks; these are not always the best choice because employees often are not able to properly identify the sex of chicks. This can ultimately lead to a rooster as a part of your flock.

While roosters can be very beneficial for a flock, in many towns they aren’t allowed because of their need to crow. When making the choice to bring feathered friends into your life, first check with your local office to find out what their rules are. Once established, using places like the SPCA Serving Erie County to adopt your friend is a great choice. We can also give you ideas on the best places to obtain a flock when faced with restrictions.

If you find yourself with an unexpected rooster, calling your local shelter is a wonderful start. However, many, like the SPCA Serving Erie County, do not always have room available to accept your surrender.

If you’re in a position of needing to rehome a rooster without luck at a shelter, the following social media resources are a great place to start. For WNY locals, there are excellent online sources to research, including:

Livestock in NY
Livestock in WNY
WNY Chicken Peeps
WNY Ducks and Chickens
WNY Crazy Hobby Farmers

Lollypop Farm also recommended an article regarding raising baby chickens. It’s an informative article worth reading before making any chicken purchase! Find that article here >>

The SPCA’s Educational Farm is open to the public Monday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  More information is available at YourSPCA.org/Educational-Farm .

 

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SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly Named Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” Winner

 

August 22, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Cait and the SPCA’s Xylord


The SPCA Serving Erie County is thrilled to announce President/CEO Cait Daly has been selected as one of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” winners!

From Buffalo Business First: “It’s never easy to select the annual 40 Under 40 winners. This year was no exception. The winners were chosen from nearly 200 nominations for the 33rd year of the awards, bringing the total number of honorees over the years to 1,320. They are doctors, attorneys, educators and entrepreneurs. Some work to better their community full-time; others give back after hours. They’re all Western New York professionals who are younger than age 40, successful in their professions and involved in their communities.”

See Buffalo Business First’s official announcement >>

Cait is held in incredibly high esteem by the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Board of Directors.

“In a short time, Cait has become an invaluable leader of our SPCA Serving Erie County,” says SPCA Board of Directors Chairperson P. Jeffrey Birtch. “Her dedication, hard work, and compassion never cease to amaze me; it makes the organization a better place to be. Her tireless efforts are nothing short of remarkable.”

SPCA Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Sara Dayton adds, “Cait’s steadfast commitment to making the SPCA Serving Erie County all it can be for the people and animals of this community is unmatched. Animal welfare work is challenging. We’re dealing with beautiful, living, breathing beings every day, and emotions run high. Cait’s unwavering dedication, however, is contagious.”

“I am genuinely grateful for the collaboration Cait has brought to the community through our SPCA,” says SPCA Board Member Hon. Barbara Howe (Ret.). “The number of organizations with which we now work to make Erie County and beyond a better, more compassionate place is increasing every day; Cait’s attitude is inspiring and infectious. Her work is extraordinary, and deeply valued.”

Cait’s leadership at the SPCA is valued not only by board members, but by staff members, volunteers, and the community as well.

It wasn’t enough for Cait to allow the SPCA Serving Erie County to just keep doing what it was doing because it was the way it had been done for decades. Cait took time to learn what all neighborhoods in all parts of Erie County desperately needed…not what we think they should need, but what they DO need. With the help of some dedicated board and staff members, Cait spearheaded efforts to restructure the SPCA’s outreach programs and efforts. The SPCA  has among its priorities a focus on doing everything possible to remove the need a family may have to surrender a pet, and works hard directing efforts to keep families together rather than filling the shelter with animals who were already in loving homes. Hundreds of families annually have been able to keep their beloved animals due to the resources provided by the SPCA under Cait’s leadership.

Because of Cait’s vision, new programs were brought to the community in an effort to remove barriers to adoption, thereby shortening animals’ lengths of stay here at the SPCA and keeping our adoption numbers steady during this time that adoptions are declining nationwide. 

These efforts and so many others make Cait a fitting recipient of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” distinction. The SPCA Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers congratulate Cait on this exciting achievement! See the official announcement here >>

TALE FOR TWO READING PROGRAM SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR 2024-2025 SEASON

August 21, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Register your child for Tale for Two  >>

The SPCA Serving Erie County will continue its popular Tale for Two reading program throughout the 2024-2025 school year!

Tale For Two encourages children ages 5 – 16 to read aloud to adoptable animals at the SPCA. Animals benefit from the increased socialization and reduced stress levels, while children work on their literacy and reading skills, building their self-esteem and confidence.

This year’s reading sessions are available in six packages, and new this year are single sessions:

-Full-year package: $150
September 30, 2024 – August 30, 2025

-School year package: $100
September 30, 2024 – June 14, 2025

-Seasonal packages: $65
Fall: September 30 – December 14, 2024
Winter: January 6 – March 29, 2025
Spring: April 7 – June 14, 2025
Summer: June 30 – August 30, 2025

*NEW* -Single session: $10

Packages include one reading session per week, available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter.  Reading sessions are 30 minutes in length.

Children can bring their own reading materials, or make a selection from the SPCA’s library.

Register your child for Tale for Two >>

Please contact SPCA Community Education Director Christine Davis with questions: ChristineD@yourspca.org. NOTE: Space per reading session is extremely limited, so register early!

We’re in it to win it!

Animal cruelty investigations | Domestic animal rescue & care  |  Farm animal rescue & care  | Wildlife rescue & care, plus rehab & release  |  Adoptions  |  Children’s education  |  Vaccine clinics  |  Pet food pantry & outreach  |   Much more

The SPCA Serving Erie County is the only organization in the 716 providing all of these services and so much more to the people of our community, helping thousands of animals every year. If the SPCA Serving Erie County has touched your life in some way, please vote for us and tell the 716 you think we’re the best! 


Click the image to vote!

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