Tag: Gina Lattuca

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

August 6, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Man in military service fatigues lays on couch with dog on his lap that he adopted through SPCA Vets & Pets, offering free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NYTo 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 Moog!

Vets & Pets begins Saturday, Nov. 7 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 14* 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 >>.

Female in military service fatigues playing with dog on her lap in front of American flag, and she adopted through SPCA Vets & Pets, offering free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NYMilitary 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 Julia Kiblin with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 235.

The SPCA extends a patriotic thank you to Moog for allowing veterans and current service members the opportunity to adopt a beloved animal companion at no cost, creating life-changing bonds built on healing, hope, and unconditional love!

*Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The SPCA will be closed Sunday, Nov. 8. Potential adoptions must be started by 5 p.m., at least one hour prior to closing. Some exceptions to the program will apply concerning If The Fur Fits trial adoptions; see an Adoptions counselor or contact Kiblin with questions.

Person in military service fatigues in front of American flag holds dog he adopted through SPCA Vets & Pets, offering free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NY

#SPCACompassionInAction

Remembering the SPCA’s George May

August 3, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SPCA Superintendent George May, who worked at the organization 46 years before his retirement in June, 2000There are people who leave a mark on an organization, and then there are those who become part of its very foundation. George May was one of those rare individuals. Although he retired from the SPCA Serving Erie County in June 2000 after an extraordinary 46-year career, his presence has never truly left us. With the passing of George on July 16, 2026 at the age of 92, we mourn not only a beloved former superintendent, but a man whose character, compassion, and unwavering commitment helped shape generations of people—and changed the lives of countless animals.

George May and "new-found friend" in the Courier Express October 23, 1962
George May and his “new-found friend” in Buffalo’s Courier Express, October 23, 1962

George often said that caring for animals was never just a job. It was a responsibility. Throughout his career, he led by example, showing us that kindness, integrity, and respect should guide every decision we make. Those of us who were fortunate enough to work alongside him learned far more than animal care—we learned what it means to serve a community with humility, to treat every life with dignity, and to always do what is right, even when no one is watching. Many of us still hear his lessons in our minds every day, because they became the values that define this organization.

George May and his beloved office cat, Tinsel
George May with beloved office cat, Tinsel

In the June 2000 special tribute issue of SPCA newsletter Animals at Heart, published to honor his retirement, George reflected on the incredible changes he witnessed during his four decades with the SPCA. Because he was so deeply compassionate and the organization was so much a part of him, I remember thinking at the time that he might be too emotional to fully answer my interview questions. Suffice it to say I needn’t have worried. George answered every question thoroughly, and from his heart. He recalled rescuing animals from rivers, climbing to save cats from trees, caring for abandoned wildlife, and responding to thousands of calls with little more than determination, a leash, and a homemade snare. Through every challenge, he remained steadfast in his belief that every animal deserved compassion and every person deserved respect. His leadership helped build the SPCA Serving Erie County into one of the most respected humane societies in the region—a reputation that continues today.

As the second-oldest humane society in the United States, we owe much of our success to the foundation George helped build. He understood that an organization’s reputation is earned one act of compassion at a time. The ethics he lived by, the standards he expected, and the example he set continue to influence every member of our team. His legacy is woven into our culture, our mission, and the countless lives we touch every day.

SPCA Animals at Heart June 2000, special tribute edition for retiring superintendent George MayWhile our hearts are heavy, we also celebrate a life of extraordinary purpose. The community has lost a true legend, but perhaps no one feels that loss more deeply than the animals whose lives he devoted himself to protecting. Over 46 years, George helped hundreds of thousands—probably millions—of animals through his tireless work and his lasting influence on those who followed in his footsteps. His legacy lives on every time an animal is rescued, every time compassion triumphs over cruelty, and every time one of us chooses to do things the way George taught us.

I invite you to read that special June 2000 edition of Animals at Heart, published in honor of George’s retirement, and remember the remarkable man whose legacy will forever be part of the SPCA Serving Erie County. He may be gone, but his example—and the kindness he inspired—will never be forgotten.

Read the June, 2000 George May tribute edition of SPCA newsletter Animals at Heart >>

Recent SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigations Lead to Guilty Pleas, an Indictment, and Sentencing

July 24, 2026 — The Erie County District Attorney’s Office has released details regarding developments in three animal cruelty investigations by SPCA Serving Erie County officers. In the documents, Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane repeatedly commends the work of SPCA Chief Investigations Officer Lindsey Wood, Officer Meghan Giles, the SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigations Department, and the staff of the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Click on the appropriate headline for the full story.

June 2026: Hamburg Man Arraigned for Shooting HIs Dog

July 2026: Defendant Sentenced for Killing Dog

July2026: Lackawanna Couple Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty

 

 

 

SPCA Issues Summer Reminders Designed to Keep Pets Safe

June 12, 2026
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.

Take This Job and Love It:
Great Benefits Program with Perks for Blue Collar Working Cats

May 11, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as barns and stablesThey’re a little too temperamental to be considered perfect, in-home, companion cats. Some are even feral. What’s to be done about these categories of cats when agencies like the SPCA Serving Erie County receive them as surrendered animals, or as part of an animal hoarding situation or other type of animal rescue or cruelty case?

For more than a decade, East Aurora-based Feral Cat FOCUS Inc. (FCF) has provided an answer for this agency and other cat welfare organizations in the state. Historically called other names such as the Adopt-A-Barn-Cat program and the Adopt-A-Working-Cat program, the Blue Collar Working Cats program now encompasses more of the varied establishments that have taken advantage of the loyal presence of these hard-working cats!

FCF representatives tell us program cats are cats of various temperaments. In some cases, they are not exactly feral, but they’re unsocial. They call this program a “beautiful adoption alternative” for these types of cats who have nowhere else to go.

According to FCF, Blue Collar Working Cats have been placed in various western New York establishments including wineries, warehouses, nurseries and greenhouses, barns and stables, and more. When an organization representative calls to inquire about receiving Blue Collar Working Cats to live on the property, FCF conducts a thorough interview to SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as wineriesensure proper placement, since not all of the cats will thrive in all of the settings. They also ensure there are enough people who will take full responsibility for the care and feeding of the cats throughout their lifetime.

Once an establishment is deemed a proper setting for specific Blue Collar Working Cats, a representative of FCF brings a minimum of two cats (some larger establishments have four or more Blue Collar Working Cats), already spayed or neutered, treated for fleas, and vaccinated by veterinarians at Operation PETS: the Spay/Neuter Clinic of WNY, Inc. for “grounding” purposes. Cats are placed in extra-large dog crates at their “new home” for a three-week period, which allows them time to adapt to the different people, sights, sounds, smells, and, possibly, other animals that collectively comprise the new setting.  Most importantly, they begin to bond with and recognize the voices of those who will be providing the majority of care.

Temporarily, FCF provides the crates and other equipment, which is on loan during the three-week grounding period. After that, as with any adoption, all care is the responsibility of the new owners. FCF representatives also tell us that, in all the years of managing this program, FCF has had very few cats that didn’t respond to the new surroundings. They attribute that to the fact that the quality of life has increased for the animals and they’re more content; some of the cats SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as warehousesbecome even more social and enjoy being present around people for longer periods of time.

To date, more than 600 establishments house a minimum of two Blue Collar Working Cats. The purpose? “Rodent control, plain and simple,” an FCF representative says. “Sometimes the mere presence of Blue Collar Working Cats is enough to keep rodents away from perceived food sources or food and beverage storage areas.”

FCF is unable to accept surrenders of cats from private owners who believe their cats may not be living a high quality of life indoors, yet feel guilty about keeping them outdoors or giving them up. FCF will, however, walk these cat owners through how to set up a Blue Collar Working Cats program right at home.  FCF representatives say the group works hard to remove the misplaced guilt these cat owners may feel over not keeping a cat indoors, and added that not every cat can live a high-quality life indoors. They help these people establish a Blue Collar Working Cats program right where they are, taking  them through all the steps and assisting them as much as possible in their imitation of the program.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is honored SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as barns and stablesto be one of the organizations with which FCF works in its Blue Collar Working Cats program. Several hundred cats who were not viable adoption candidates found new lives through FCF and this program, and the SPCA is indebted SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as barns and stablesand eternally grateful to the team at FCF for dedicating so many of their resources to these special cats with high work ethics.

Organization representatives who believe Blue Collar Working Cats might be a welcome addition to their establishments are encouraged to call FCF at (888) 902-9717, email info@feralcatfocus.org, or visit the FCF website to learn more about adopting a working cat team.

Feral Cat FOCUS Inc. is an all-volunteer organization with 501(c)(3) status.

LILIES, CHOCOLATE HARMFUL TO PETS; OTHER EASTER PET SAFETY REMINDERS

March 26, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

As shopping for the Easter holiday continues this week, the SPCA Serving Erie County reminds pet owners and people bringing gifts to pet owners that chocolate and Easter lilies can be harmful, even deadly, to pets.

All parts of the Easter lily, day lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Asiatic lily, and some others are toxic to felines. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can result in kidney failure and, if untreated, death. Shortly after ingestion, a cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. As the kidney damage progresses, these signs worsen. In most cases, a cat must be treated within mere hours of ingesting the plant, or damage to the kidneys will be irreversible.

Most chocolate contains high amounts of fat and methylxanthine alkaloids (theobromine and caffeine) that cause constriction of arteries, increased heart rate, and central nervous system/cardiac muscle stimulation.

These effects can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive panting and thirst, hyperactivity, increased urinating, stiffness, and exaggerated reflexes. Cardiac failure, seizures, coma, and death can result if the chocolate ingestion is not found within four to six hours and treated appropriately.

Other holiday reminders:

*Thinking about bringing a bunny into the home? Check out this important article from the well-respected House Rabbit Society! It’s true…even at Easter time, there are responsible ways to bring a bunny into your life!

*If you color your Easter eggs, ensure the food colorings or dyes do not contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.

*Check candy for the ingredient XYLITOL, extremely toxic to dogs even in very small amounts. Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, safe for many humans but extremely toxic to dogs, possibly causing liver failure, seizures, and death.

*Keep Easter baskets, basket ‘grass,’ candy, and foil candy wrappers away from pets. Hiding those Easter baskets? Be sure the pets can’t find them before the kids! Basket grasses and foil wrappers are non-digestible and can get caught in the intestines, leading to blockage and possible perforation. They can lead to choking, strangulation, and even worse, an internal obstruction. In addition to chocolate, discussed above, other candies can be dangerous for pets. Be sure children aren’t tempted to share their Easter basket candies with their four-footed friends!

*If you’re using garlic, onions, or chives in meal preparation, be extra careful about ensuring your pets aren’t sneaking a taste. These items are toxic to both cats and dogs and can cause gastroenteritis and hemolytic anemia. Adding to the risk is the fact that signs of both may not appear for several days. Signs of toxicity include increased heart/breathing rates, pale gums, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.

*Tempted to share holiday table scraps with Fido or Fluffy? Use discretion. Be aware of bones in the mix. And remember not to overfeed your animals with table food to which they’re not accustomed; this could lead to digestion problems and other unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.

*Be careful in selecting spring plants for the home. In addition to lilies mentioned above, the foliage, flower, or pod of daffodils can cause upset tummies, vomiting, or diarrhea; flower heads of hydrangeas can cause stomach pains, vomiting, and weakness; even the seeds and pods of wisteria can cause all of the above plus dehydration and collapse.

*Be sure curious pets are not able to get at a garbage bag! Even if harmful items are properly disposed of, an unsupervised pet can chew through a plastic garbage bag and still have access to raw bones and other waste.

Contact your veterinarian for more information.  In an after-hours or holiday veterinary emergency, you can reach an emergency veterinary clinic at  (716) 403-4370  in Cheektowaga or (716) 662-6660 in Orchard Park.

NO BONES ABOUT IT!
KEEP PETS SAFE THIS THANKSGIVING!

November 21, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Planning a delicious holiday meal? Those scrumptious smells are enough to drive any four-legged critter into a food frenzy! The SPCA Serving Erie County has issued these Thanksgiving holiday reminders to keep your pets safe, slim, and trim:

HUNGRY PETS: Too many holiday treats won’t only pack the pounds on us…they’ll pack them on our pets. Many pets are on standard, limited diets; feeding them large quantities of food they don’t normally receive could cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, none of which are welcome during this festive holiday…or at any other time, for that matter. Use discretion. Turkey bones are also dangerous for pets. A brittle, spiky bone could cause irritation of the stomach or intestines, or could lodge in your pet’s esophagus.
NOTE: Dogs eating foods to which they’re not accustomed may experience BLOAT, a life-threatening condition. Dogs experiencing bloat may have difficulty breathing, may appear weak and/or depressed, may attempt to vomit but cannot, and/or may appear to be extremely uncomfortable for no apparent reason. If your pet exhibits signs of bloat, bring him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Speak with your veterinarian for more information on this condition.

NO BREAD FOR BARNEY:  Think twice before leaving that homemade bread dough atop the oven to rise. According to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, when bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who have eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, disorientation and depression.

PEANUT BUTTER WARNING: Using peanut butter as a holiday treat for your pet? Remember to check the label! Xylitol is a sugar substitute now added to some peanut butters, along with other foods and candies. It’s safe for most humans, but deadly to pets, even in small quantities!  Be sure to check labels for Xylitol or other ingredients that could be dangerous for your pet. It’s also a bad idea to give any animal caffeine-laced peanut butter or other foods; serious health problems could ensue.


GARBAGE PICKERS?  Some animals patiently wait for the chance to pick through the garbage when you’re not around. Aluminum foils with juices, plastic wraps with frostings, even tasty strings from tying turkeys…well, the temptation can just be too much for your deprived pets. Keep your garbage bags away from where pets can chew through them to get to the goods. Ingestion of these items can be life-threatening.

SWEET TEMPTATIONS: CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO PETS!  Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine, a compound very similar to caffeine in structure. Theobromine can be toxic to dogs and cats in small quantities, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, coma, even death. Keep chocolate safely away from all animals.

POTPOURRI PROBLEMS:  Of course we want our homes to smell nice when guests arrive…but be mindful that liquid and other types of potpourri, especially sprinkled into rugs, along with many scented essential candles and oils are toxic to dogs, cats, even birds and other animals.

With changes to the veterinary industry, seeking timely medical care for your pet, especially on a holiday, can prove itself to be problematic. Pet owners are advised to take every preventative measure possible to eliminate the chance of animals requiring emergency veterinary care.

SPCA Treats Pet Owners to Tricks for Keeping Pets Safe This Halloween

October 24, 2025
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

WITH A FEW EXTRA PRECAUTIONS, PETS CAN HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN TOO!

Halloween is meant to be fun for children of all ages, but according to the SPCA Serving Erie County, pets often experience the dark side of Halloween fun.  With extra precautions, seasonal problems can often be avoided:

HUNGRY PETS:  CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO YOUR PET!  Please share this tip with children, who may be tempted to share their Halloween take with their best four-footed friends! The sweet smell of Halloween chocolate and other candy left by a door pleases pets, as do cookies and cakes served at Halloween parties. Sweets can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or worse.  Purchase Halloween treats made specifically for pets and keep the “people” treats away from where pets can reach them.


PETS AS VICTIMS:  Halloween is traditionally known for trick-or-treaters…and pranksters.  KEEP ALL PETS INSIDE on Halloween night, and the nights immediately preceding and following October 31.  This will prevent them from being stolen, teased, kicked, blinded by flashlights or abused in other ways.

NERVOUS/TERRITORIAL PETS:  Constant door-knocking or doorbell-ringing may cause an extremely nervous pet to shake or tremble uncontrollably, or have an “accident” in the house.  Territorial pets may become aggressive at the sound of unfamiliar visitors.  Keep nervous or territorial pets distracted in another room with the door closed.

CURIOUS PETS:  Keep pets away from costume-making areas, where sequins or buttons can be swallowed.  Scissors used for cutting patterns, or knives used for carving jack o’lanterns, can harm your pet.  Also remember to keep pets away from a candle-illuminated jack o’lantern.  Halloween has become a popular season for decorations as well.  Keep decorations out of your pet’s reach, or securely attached in place to prevent your pet from pulling the decorations down.  Swallowing a decorative object may cause intestinal problems and present a potential emergency.

KEEP CURRENT ID ON PETS: Exuberant or nervous pets may bolt out doors opened for trick-or-treat candy handouts. Ensure they are wearing proper identification (even if they are microchipped) in case they become lost. Collars are available for purchase at the Petique, located at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site, and other pet supply shops. If you lose or find a pet, visit the SPCA’s Lost & Found page for tips on what to do next.

Contact the SPCA Serving Erie County with any questions or concerns: (716) 875-7360.

From the office of Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane:

VETERINARIAN ARRAIGNED ON FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS CHARGED FOR ATTEMPTING TO CONCEAL IDENTITY OF MISSING DOG

October 1, 2025 — Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Kimberly A. Parkhill-Brown, 46, of City of Tonawanda, was arraigned yesterday morning before Tonawanda City Court Judge Mark Saltarelli on two counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (Class E felonies), three counts of Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanors) and one count of Companion Animal Stealing (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).

It is alleged that on or about Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the victim’s Yorkshire terrier, “Benji,” went missing from her residence in Niagara County. Later the same day, the victim allegedly received a phone call from a veterinarian’s office in the City of Tonawanda, notifying her that “Benji” had been found by another individual who brought the dog into their office to be scanned for a microchip. The victim allegedly received a second call, notifying her that “Benji” was no longer at the office after being discharged to the individuals who brought him in.

The defendant, while working as a veterinarian, is accused of knowingly making false entries into the office’s business records. It is alleged that on July 17, 2024, the defendant allegedly made a false entry in the patient log, with the intent to defraud, by intentionally changing the reason for the visit from “dog found in the woods” to “itchy skin.” The defendant allegedly altered the sex of the dog in the patient log from “male” to “female spayed.”

It is alleged that on Thursday, August 8, 2024, the defendant, while working as a veterinarian, falsified business records with the intent to defraud or aid in the concealment of a crime by changing the patient log entry by altering the name of the dog. It is also alleged that the same day, the defendant unlawfully removed the dog’s microchip, registered to the dog’s lawful owner, and replaced it with another microchip. The defendant is accused of companion animal stealing by removing identification by which the owner may be ascertained from the dog. The defendant allegedly changed the name of the dog again in the patient log on Monday, August 12, 2024.

The dog was later returned to the victim.

Parkhill is scheduled to return on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. She was released on her own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Parkhill faces up to four years in prison.

DA Keane commends Detective Brett Rogers of the City of Tonawanda Police Department for his work in this investigation as well as Chief Investigator Lindsey Wood of the SPCA Serving Erie County and Investigator Jonathan Bondi of the Niagara County SPCA.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.

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

SPCA Serving Erie County Earns a Four-Star Rating From Charity Navigator

October 14, 2024

The SPCA Serving Erie County is proud to announce that its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. This rating designates the SPCA as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.

Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability beacons.

“We are delighted to provide the SPCA Serving Erie County with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that the SPCA is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”

For more information or to view the SPCA’s complete rating, click here.

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