 e ofThe York County SPCA employs Humane Society Police Officers who are professionally trained to investigate and prosecute Section 5511 of the PA Crimes Code, otherwise know as the Cruelty to Aact of cruelty, please contact either the York County SPCA or York County 911. Humane Society Police Officers are accessible 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to respond to emergencies.
In the state of Pennsylvania, summary offenses under the Cruelty to Animals statute are punishable by a fine ranging from $50 to $750 and/or 90 days in jail. It is important to note that these penalties are set by the presiding magistrate, not the York County SPCA nor its officers.
Cruelty to Animals is extremely serious and is sometimes partnered with other offenses at the scene of the crime. Please do not take matters into your own hands if you have a concern about a situation. You could be breaking the law and putting yourself in harms way. In addition, you could disturb a crime scene that could potentially inhibit a Humane Society Police Officer from properly investigating and prosecuting the crime.
Please help us in protecting the animals of York County. We need your assistance to alert us of potential animal abuse.nimals statute If you suspect an animal is being abused or you
Abandoned in Dumpster
This little puppy was found abandoned in a dumpster in Dover. A good citizen heard suspicious noises in a dumpster and investigated. Wrapped inside a plastic bag, discarded in the dumpster, with outdoor temperatures in the 20's, this puppy did not have a bright future. Thankfully, we have a good story to tell. A call to 911 resulted in notification to the animal control officer in Dover. The animal Control Officer brought the puppy to the SPCA early Saturday morning where he appeared in good conditions despite his brush with abandonment. A family found the puppy on the very same Saturday and requested ad0 ption. PA Dog Law, however, requires us to hold "stray" animals for 48 hours so our adopters were required to wait 2 days before they could take their new puppy home.
Trying to unravel mystery of dog found shot in the face
ELIZABETH EVANS The York Dispatch
The York County SPCA doesn't usually enlist the help of state police to help stray dogs. Then again, most stray dogs haven't been shot in the face. Found wandering in the area of Stine Hill Road in York Township on March 13, a mixed black Labrador retriever appeared to have been hit by a car, said Melissa Smith, executive director of the SPCA.
The medium-sized dog was picked up by Animal Control Officer Tim Kohler after a resident called to report the stray, she said. "We authorized Tim to take the dog to the Animal Emergency Clinic, where an X-ray showed she was actually shot," Smith said. The bullet entered the top of her muzzle and exited out her throat, according to Smith. Fragments of the bullet also lodged in the dog's chest.
Fragment recovered: "The clinic was able to pull a bullet fragment out of (the muzzle)," Smith said, although some fragments still remain in the dog's chest. "I took the bullet fragment to the state police barracks yesterday," she said. "At this point, it's believed to have been a .22. It appears to me that somebody was trying to shoot to kill and obviously was unsuccessful." State police Cpl. Jeff Rineer said troopers examined the bullet. "Due to the condition of the fragment, positive identification of the caliber is not possible," he said, but troopers' "best guess" was a .22-caliber, he said.
The dog, named Meg by the SPCA staff, spent three days in the hospital, according to Smith, and is now recuperating at the shelter.
Unanswered questions: Smith said the SPCA wants to "solve the mystery" of who shot Meg -- and why. "We're looking for anyone who might recognize this dog or knows where she lives, or knows who was last seen with her, or knows who shot her," Smith said.
Meg was found in a very rural area of York Township, not far from Hess Farm Road and just north of the North Hopewell Township border, she said. Meg is primarily black with a few white markings, including a blaze on her forehead. She's about 5 years old and was wearing a red collar with no tags, Smith said. She's smaller than a full-bred Lab, and fully socialized.
"That makes me conclude she was someone's pet and was cared for at some time," Smith said. "She's the happiest dog -- just adorable." |
Heaven Update March 5
Heaven continues to do very well with her recovery although her leg needed to be casted due to a slight shift in the position of the pins in her leg.
There has also been a change in Heaven's final destination. Unfortunately, the home that was going to take Heaven is now unable to do so. But, to everyone's delight, the foster home has fallen for her and has offered to adopt her on a permanent basis into their home!
Heaven Update Feb 7
Heaven had her staples/sutures removed today. This will be the first day that she will not be bandaged around the area where the stick was removed. She is really enjoying her freedom! Heaven will stay in her foster home for a couple of weeks and then will be transferred into her permanent new home. Her new adopter is very well equipped to handle her medical needs.
Knowing Heaven has been a pleasure to all of us at the York County SPCA. The opportunity to help her overcome her horrific circumstances has been so rewarding.
We would like to acknowledge the actions of Serenity Rhoades. Her act truly saved Heaven's life. We hope that she has set an example for others her age to follow."
Heaven update Jan 31
Heaven arrived safely in her foster home where she will be receiving the rehabilitation that she needs to make her recovery.
Heaven is shown with her York County SPCA foster parent, Scooter Deller.
We would like to thank everyone for their warm wishes and donations towards Heaven's care.
Heaven update Jan 28
Heaven arrived safely back at the York County SPCA on 1-28-10 after several days of intensive care at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center. Her fractured femur has been repaired and she is doing very well. She will even wag her tail for us which is miraculous to see! Our plan for Heaven at this point is for her to go to foster care with an SPCA volunteer for several weeks of recuperation. Then, after assessing her progress, we will entertain the possibility of adoption for her.
The York County SPCA is following a solid lead on Heaven's origin. We are hopeful that this information may lead us to the circumstances of her condition and abuse.
Heaven-Jan 23
At this time, the York County SPCA is seeking information from anyone who might have information on who may have owned this dog or who may have abused her in such a cruel and inhumane manner. York County Crimestoppers has joined the York County SPCA in the search for the perpetrators and is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information may contact the York County SPCA at 764-6109. You may remain anonymous if you wish.
If you would like to assist the York County SPCA in the cost of caring for this dog, you may make a donation to our shelter earmarked for the Second Chance Fund. This fund will be used to assist us with the costs we are incurring while we strive to save this unfortunate little girl.
York County SPCA is named as partner with the HSUS
So, what does that mean exactly? If the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) rescues a large number of animals in our local area the York County SPCA will be called in to help provide housing, long term care, and adoption services.
In order to become an HSUS partner, the YCSPCA had to meet eligibility requirements and go through an application process. Although we receive no funding or financial assistance from the HSUS, we feel that this partnership will help fulfill our vision of creating a humane community where all pets are protected and wanted. We are very proud of being named as an Emergency Services Placement Partner!
 HSUS brings 100 Sled Dogs to York
The York County SPCA is accepting 6 dogs from the 100 Eskimo sled dogs rescued in northern Canada. The HSUS stopped at our shelter on Novemeber 21 to deliver dogs to us and nearby shelters. From York the tractor trailer was continuing on toward Wash DC stopping at other Humane Society partners.
 
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$5,000 Reward Dogfighting
The York County SPCA is proud to partner with the Humane Society of the United States for a campaign geared towards the apprehension of dog fighters in our community. Dog fighting is an elusive blood sport that causes a tremendous amount of suffering to the animals involved. In addition, dog fighting poses a real threat to the safety of the community as a whole. Quite often, illegal drugs and firearms are commonly found at the scene of such fights.
Sadly, young children are often brought to dogfighting matches. This exposure to cruelty serves to only desensitize them to violence and gives them the misconception that cruelty is acceptable. Evidence has shown that those who are involved in dog fighting and other forms of cruelty to animals are more likely to be violent towards people as well. According to a recent study, 65% of those arrested for cruelty to animals have also been arrested for violent crimes against people.
The York County SPCA recognizes the need to reach our younger generation and teach them the importance of compassion towards animals. Therefore, we are reaching out to local schools who have may have an interest in presenting this campaign to their students. If you are affiliated with a school and would like more information on what the York County SPCA and the HSUS can teach your students, please contact Melissa Smith at the York County SPCA at 764-6109 ext 126.
If you have information on a suspected dog fighting operation, please contact Nicole Boyer at the York County SPCA at 764-6109 ext 127. If your information leads to the arrest of a dog fighter, the HSUS will pay you a $5000 reward."
Lucy - Officer Nicole Boyer responded to the residence of Robert Shane Natalie on October 15, 2007 to investigate a compliant of animal cruelty. Officer Boyer was met at the property by Fairview Township Police Officers. Two dogs and five cats were found inside of the home which was supposedly vacant. One of the dogs, a spayed female fawn colored boxer named Lucy was near death. She was so thin and dehydrated she could barely stand and had to be taken to Community Animal Hospital for immediate care. The neutered male, tricolored beagle named Hunter was in fair condition but also had to be examined by Community Animal Hospital. With the assistance of the Fairview Township Police Officers, the two adult cats and three kittens were able to be caught and taken to Community Animal Hospital for treatment as well. All of the animals were suffering from various levels of emaciation and dehydration. Unfortunately, one of the kittens passed away within a few days of removal from the home.
After seven days, Officer Boyer was finally able to locate Robert Natalie. Robert Natalie signed over all of the animals to the York County SPCA and was made aware that he would be cited for several counts of Cruelty to Animals. On November 15, 2007 a warrant was issued by the District Justice's Office for the arrest of Robert Shane Natalie.
The York County SPCA is happy to report that Hunter, the beagle, has been adopted into a new home. Lucy, the boxer, initially weighed 23.7 pounds and has more than doubled her weight.
She is also resting comfortably in her new home with several others dogs that enjoy her company too. The remaining kittens were named by the SPCA staff members and were able to find homes. The two adult cats, Gumdrop and Sylvester have been anxiously awaiting homes. If you are unable to adopt an animal from the York County SPCA but would like to assist in helping the York County SPCA provide veterinary care for animals in need of treatment just like the ones you read about, then please donate to the Second Chance Fund. It is because of the Second Chance Fund that these animals were able to receive immediate care! |
