Law Enforcement Expansion: Spreading Out to Save More Lives

Transcription

1 PENNSYLVANIA THE SCOOP IN THIS ISSUE w Letter from Our CEO w Law Enforcement Expansion w Lexi s Transformation w Compassionate Cat Control w Phillies Keep Animal Advocacy in the Lineup w Inside Perspectives w What s the Scoop? Law Enforcement Expansion: Spreading Out to Save More Lives Direct physical abuse, animal fighting, hoarding, neglect these are heartbreaking issues our Humane Law Enforcement officers see regularly, in Philadelphia and beyond. In 2013 alone, we investigated more than 11,000 cases of cruelty and neglect, but more work remains. In September, we announced our expansion into Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lebanon, Lehigh, and Schuylkill counties, increasing our humane law enforcement coverage from 17 to 23 of Pennsylvania s 67 counties. The history of cruelty in these counties, coupled with the trend of humane organizations withdrawing from humane law enforcement efforts, made it especially important for the PSPCA to get involved. Animals throughout Pennsylvania are suffering, and the PSPCA is committed to ending the anguish, not only by rescuing these horribly mistreated animals, but also by enforcing Pennsylvania s animal cruelty code, prosecuting animal cruelty cases, and pushing for legislation that would better protect animals in the Commonwealth. In August PSPCA officers rescued over 100 animals from a large farm in Bernville, Berks County while investigating suspected cockfighting. 44 of the animals signed over to the PSPCA have found new homes. The remaining animals will be in the PSPCA s care pending litigation against the owners. Jesus Manuel Rodriguez, of Reading, was charged with 10 felony counts of animal cruelty for owning dozens of fighting roosters. Four other individuals have also been charged in this case. We re online PSPCA programs, including Humane Law Enforcement, are entirely donor-funded. We do not receive any local, regional, or state funding. Instead, we rely on the generosity of our community to support these important lifesaving efforts. For more information on how to support law enforcement efforts through the PSPCA visit PENNSYLVANIA SPCA HLE MAP Pennsylvania SPCA HLE Map Counties Highlighted Are Currently Covered By PSPCA HLE Officers Counties Highlighted Are Currently Covered By PSPCA HLE Officers ERIE WARREN McKEAN BRADFORD SUSQUEHANNA CRAWFORD POTTER TIOGA WAYNE FOREST WYOMING ELK CAMERON SULLIVAN VENANGO LACKAWANNA LYCOMING PIKE MERCER CLINTON LUZERNE CLARION LAWRENCE INDIANA COLUMBIA MONROE CLEARFIELD MONTOUR UNION BUTLER CENTRE CARBON ARMSTRONG NORTH- UMBERLAND NORTH- SNYDER BEAVER HAMPTON INDIANA MIFFLIN SCHUYLKILL LEHIGH JUNIATA DAUPHIN ALLEGHENY CAMBRIA BLAIR PERRY BERKS BUCKS LEBANON WESTMORELAND HUNTINGDON MONTGOMERY WASHINGTON CUMBERLAND LANCASTER CHESTER PHILADELPHIA BEDFORD FAYETTE SOMERSET FULTON YORK DELAWARE GREENE FRANKLIN ADAMS

2 Every Shelter Animal Deserves to Live Happily Ever After PENNSYLVANIA Dear Friends, Rescuing animals from cruelty, providing necessary veterinary attention and rehabilitation care, and achieving justice on their behalf are all fundamental to our mission at the PSCPA. However, these are only partial victories. It s only when each animal finds its forever home that we can truly know we have done well. Both litigation and rehabilitation can take years, but we strive to do our best for each of our shelter pets during their stay so that they can one day realize their dreams of being adopted. Noelle, a female Pit Bull we had rescued from an unlawful breeding operation in December 2011, recently got her wish. Noelle did not become available for adoption until early August 2013, because during the litigation against her accused abusers, she had still legally belonged to them. As a larger dog, she was often overlooked by potential adopters, but our staff and volunteers adored her and worked hard to find her a new home. In May 2014, she was finally adopted by roommates Lauren and Rebecca, and she has been enjoying her new life near Fairmount Park. In August, Lauren and Rebecca brought Noelle back to our Erie Avenue shelter for a reunion, and the changes to both Noelle s physique and demeanor were shocking in a wonderful way. She was slimmer, she looked healthier, and her love for her new parents was obvious. We specialize in before-and-after. We take dogs and cats from horrific conditions, and we work with them and for them until they have a chance to live as they deserve. Your generosity makes all of this possible. Only with your continued support can we continue to save animals like Noelle. Thank you for helping us write these happy endings. Jerry Buckley CEO Meet our new Board Members We proudly welcome Gina Gilliam, Joanne Boyle, and Julie Klim to our Board of Directors, and thank them for sharing their professional expertise and passion to promote the welfare of animals in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania SPCA is dedicated to protecting animals, preventing cruelty and improving the health and quality of life for animals in Pennsylvania. Locations Headquarters: 350 E. Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA Danville Branch 2801 Bloom Road Danville, PA To Donate Visit or development@pspca.org To Volunteer Visit or volunteers@pspca.org Cruelty Hotline Call SPCA Chief Executive Officer Jerry Buckley Chief Operating Officer Mary Jo Bernardo Financial Controller Jennifer Green Director of Humane Law Enforcement George Bengal Gina Gilliam Federal Public Relations Professional 2 Joanne Boyle Attorney, Elder Law Julie Klim Organizational Leadership and Strategic Consultant Director of Development Jennifer Welsh Visit us online at:

3 Lexi s Amazing Transformation All she needed was love, and that s what she found. Lexington, a 6-year-old Pit Bull mix, was severely emaciated when our Humane Law Officers rescued her in October Too weak to move, she had to be carried into the arms of our veterinary staff. Lexi spent more than two months in our Shelter Hospital before she was strong enough to endure stomach surgery to remove the foreign objects she had been eating to fill her belly. Before On Christmas Day, Lexi was given a clean bill of health and placed up for adoption, and early in January, Helio Deoliveira walked into our East Erie Avenue shelter and fell in love. With love and care, Lexi has blossomed into a beautiful, healthy, and happy family member. Mr. Deoliveira says, She is one of us She is part of our family. Lexi s constant smile is proof that she understands what it means to be loved. After Thank you to all of our supporters, to our volunteers, and to the Deoliveiras for giving Lexi a second chance! Humane Education Update Animal abuse and neglect know no boundaries and neither do our efforts to end these atrocities by promoting kindness to animals through education. From traditional classroom settings to summer camps to nursing homes, we are spreading lessons of compassion across geographic, economic, and cultural lines. Since launching our Humane Education program in February, we have reached more than 1,400 students and community members with valuable lessons on preventing animal cruelty, pet handling and care, animal safety, and other animal welfare topics. 3

4 Compassionate Cat Control is a Better Bet at Parx Parx Casino has a lot of cats. A lot. And when those cats needed help, the Pennsylvania SPCA was there. Inside Per You might not think of a casino as a place where cats congregate, but Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pa., is also home to a racetrack, and where there are horses and barns, there are cats. Employees and community members care for the cats, who live on the property both individually and in colonies. The rising feline population recently prompted Parx to reach out to local organizations for assistance. In June, the PSPCA partnered with Women s Humane Society, Bucks County Animal Response Team, and Animal Lifeline to provide services for the cats. Many had loving caretakers who were thrilled their animals were receiving veterinary care for the first time. Mobile units outfitted with surgical and examination equipment were set up for the cats, who were either brought by caretakers or captured by experienced trappers for vaccination and microchipping. Spaying and neutering was performed on site as needed, and then the cats recovered and were released to their caretakers or barns. In three days, we helped 154 cats. Their caretakers can be confident that the animals are healthy, altered, and protected against diseases. And the cats can get back to their jobs of keeping the stables rodent-free and putting a smile on the faces of Parx racetrack workers. This project was a great experience for the staff and a wonderful opportunity for the PSPCA to help our community and engage with other organizations. We re now even more prepared to join forces with other caring people and groups to help animals. Animals Help Make the Impossible Dream Possible Chazz Lopez, a friendly young man from North Philadelphia, first came to the PSPCA as a volunteer in July In just nine months, he amassed an astounding 1,700 service hours. Recently, the staff and volunteers celebrated Chazz s commitment to animals and his graduation from high school at age 20. Chazz admits the road to graduation seemed like the impossible dream. Diagnosed with dyslexia and mild autism, he had difficulty focusing in school and often ended up in fights. Finally, after three school transfers, Chazz entered a program at Doylestown s New Hope Academy, which offered a volunteer internship that led him to PSPCA. Here, Chazz discovered his love for animals and a natural ability to relate to others. When I m around animals, the dyslexia and autism disappear, Chazz explains. Working with pets so closely enables me to understand what they ve been through. I m more tolerant and compassionate, and that helps me relate better to others. The animals don t judge me. Chazz s goal is to become a vet tech, and we will be cheering him on as he gets closer to realizing his dream. And he is on his way, since recently becoming a member of the PSPCA staff. 4

5 spectives Bark & Whine is Coming Up! Sponsor the Pennsylvania SPCA s second annual Bark & Whine benefit, and save a life! Help us raise much-needed funds to continue our lifesaving 147-year-old mission, and join us to honor animal advocates Jennifer Utley and Gerry Shreiber. This year s event will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Fairmount Park s Horticulture Center. The Power of Love Joanne Spina, a 33-year-old single mother from South Philadelphia, has come a long way. Before joining the PSPCA in 2010 as a kennel attendant, Joanne was living in a homeless shelter, was unemployed, had no job skills, and was struggling to get out of an abusive relationship. Thanks to the kindness of a social worker, Joanne found a job she loves at the PSPCA, and a true vocation working with homeless animals. Affectionately known as The Cat Whisperer, Joanne s extraordinary bond and gift of communication with cats make her a shelter favorite for tips on cat handling. I understand what these cats are going through, she humbly explains. I know about fear and recognize it in their eyes. I can tell which cats were abused, neglected, and abandoned. They are devastated and demoralized, just like I was. I give them space, time to heal, and lots of love. Eventually, they come around. Today, Joanne is full of hope for her future, for her two daughters, for her six pets, and for the animals she lovingly cares for while they await their forever families. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $50,000. Sponsors will enjoy various benefits, but most important, you will be a hero to all of our shelter animals. Our work is 100 percent donor-funded. Your support will provide a lifeline for thousands of animals in need each year. Of course, you ll want to be there for the fun! You will mix and mingle with our adoptable animals and fellow animal advocates while enjoying cocktails, hors d oeuvres, and dinner, and participating in our spectacular live and silent auction. Dress is business casual. Individual tickets are $250 per person, and will be available online on Monday, September 1, at pspca.org. Tickets for our Young Friends (35 and under) are $150 per person. Last year, the event sold out early, so don t delay. It s an evening you won t want to miss! For more information, visit our website at or contact Patti Mecca, Director of Corporate Relations and Events, at or pmecca@pspca.org. Phillies Keep Animal Advocacy in the Lineup The Philadelphia Phillies have hit a home run for animals with their 2014/2015 pet calendar which has sold out! The 18-month calendar features Phillies players and Manager Ryne Sandberg posing with our adoptable animals or their own furry family members. It did not take long for Phillies fans and animal advocate to grab theirs. Net proceeds will benefit the PSPCA. Jennifer Utley and Gerry Shreiber at the PSPCA The Phils All-Star second baseman Chase Utley and his dog, Jack, are also starring in billboards in and around Philadelphia. The Enough is Enough campaign advocates the need to end abuse against animals, and spotlights the PSPCA s work to save animals lives. Thank you to Chase and Jack for helping us ensure that Enough is Enough! Jen Utley, Chase s wife, is a member of the PSPCA s Board of Directors. 5

6 Meet Dr. Jeffrey Stupine, Head of the PSCPA Wellness Clinic How many veterinarians career paths have included a stop in equity trading? We know one, and we re proud to have him on our staff as Head Veterinarian of the PSPCA Wellness Clinic. Dr. Jeffrey Stupine studied economics at George Washington University and worked as an equity trader for more than four years before he decided to become a veterinarian. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania s School of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with his VMD in He joined the Pennsylvania SPCA in December 2011 as a part-time veterinarian in our Wellness Clinic, in addition to working at a private veterinary practice, and since April 2014, he has overseen our Wellness and Vaccine clinics. Our Wellness Clinic treats as many as 40 first-time patients every day, and more than 200 patients on our bi-weekly low-cost vaccine days. Dr. Stupine is planning for capacity expansions to test for diseases such as diabetes and Cushing s disease. With his expertise and commitment to expanding the low-cost services we offer to clients who may otherwise be unable to afford pet care, Dr. Stupine is a tremendous asset to our Clinic. Dr. Stupine loves shelter medicine. There are unbelievable opportunities to make a profound difference, he says. We are saving lives. Ask the Experts Preparing for Your Veterinary Visit Bringing your animals to the vet is necessary for their health. Pennsylvania SPCA Head Veterinarian of the Wellness Clinic, Dr. Jeffrey Stupine, shares his medical insights to make the visit easier for everyone. Q. My pet is having a routine wellness visit. What should I bring? A. For your first visit, bring any medical records you have for your pet regarding vaccination history, currently prescribed medication, and other past results. Q. My pet s behavior has changed recently, and I am worried. What should I tell the veterinarian? A. The more information you provide, the easier it is to investigate and diagnose your pet s possible health issue. Observe when the problem started and how your pet s eating or drinking behavior has changed. Take note of as much detail as you possibly can, and tell your veterinarian everything. Q. Do I need to bring a stool sample or urine sample on my pet s next visit to the vet? A. If you are concerned that your pet is ill or is having digestive issues, samples can be useful in making a diagnosis. Call your vet to see what samples you should bring with you. Capture urine or stool samples in a clean container, and if you need to keep it overnight before your visit, make sure it s refrigerated. Q. What s one thing you wish clients knew about our clinic? A. If you are a returning client doing a checkup on a previous condition, you do not have to wait in the wellness line. 6

7 What s the Scoop? Plan an Event to Help Save Lives Organizing an event at your business is an easy way to support the animals in our care. Philadelphia restaurant Tattooed Mom recently held a fundraiser to help care for our shelter animals. Patrons enjoyed a fun casual brunch while making kennel enrichment toys for shelter cats, decorating bandanas for adoptable dogs, and donating items for the shelter. Contact us at specialevents@pspca.org if your business is interested in holding an event to help shelter animals. Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics Our Danville shelter is offering low-cost Vaccine Clinics to help pet owners from Montour and adjacent counties maintain the health of their dogs and cats. A walk-in clinic makes it easy to have pets vaccinated against diseases such as rabies and distemper. Patients can also be microchipped and given flea and tick preventive medications. Fall Supply Drive Join our Fall Supply Drive for shelter pets in need. We will be collecting towels, blankets, food and water bowls, pet food, and treats. If you have new or gently used items to donate, please contact us at development@pspca.org to arrange a visit. ipet Companion Have you checked out our community cat room via ipet Companion? Our friends at Pet360 helped us set up an interactive, robotic system that allows users to play with our adoptable cats with the click of a mouse! Our cats benefit from the stimulation and socialization as they wait to meet forever families. You can play for free at 7

8 Invest in the future of the Pennsylvania SPCA with a gift of stock. Donating stock to the PSPCA not only provides fundamental and immediate support, but is also one of the most cost-effective gifts you can make! When you choose to donate appreciated securities (previously held for one year), you may qualify for tax benefits including: w A charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the donated securities, and w Capital gains tax elimination when transferring securities directly to PSPCA, rather than selling them in an open market. For more information, please contact Jennifer Welsh, Director of Development at The PSPCA recommends that you consult with your financial advisor on the best way to take advantage of this giving opportunity. How you can help! Your gift today will help us continue our mission of protecting and improving the lives of animals. To make a gift: Online: Phone: Mail: The Pennsylvania SPCA Attention: Development 350 E. Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA Stay connected with the Pennsylvania SPCA online: