News Archives

 

2012

Pedaling-4-Paws Visits Welch Allyn

June 22, 2012

We met up with Pedaling-4-Paws at Welch Allyn on June 22! This awesome group biked 500 miles in 5 days - in excruciating heat by the way - to raise much needed funds for shelters and humane societies along their route from West Chester, PA to Ogdensburg, NY. Thanks to Pedaling-4-Paws for such an amazing effort!

 

FINGER LAKES SPCA OF CENTRAL NEW YORK AWARDED $40,000 GRANT FROM ASPCA

June 5, 2012

The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York in Auburn has been awarded a $40,000 grant by the New York City based ASPCA ® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).  The purpose of the grant is to provide low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for the pets of low-income individuals in the city of Auburn and Cayuga and surrounding counties. For qualified individuals the cost of the surgery and vaccinations will be $10.


Finger Lakes SPCA-CNY Executive Director Carol Russell said, “We are honored and very excited about this
program which is being made possible through a generous grant from the ASPCA.  We are thrilled that the ASPCA
is supporting the Finger Lakes SPCA-CNY in the fight against companion animal overpopulation and to assist lowincome individuals in our community.”  Eligibility for this program will be based on proof of receipt of one of the
following: Medicaid, SSI, food stamps, disability benefits, HEAP, Child Health Plus, WIC. The FLSPCA-CNY, with Shelter Outreach Services (SOS) of Ithaca, currently conducts spay/neuter clinics three times per month at the Shelter facility on York Street.  For general information, more information on eligibility and to schedule an appointment, please call the spay/neuter clinic line at 224-8893.

 

2011

Bailey's Bubble Bus Visits Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY

October 2, 2011

BAILEY'S BUBBLE BUS visited the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York today - and one of our residents, Aiden, was treated like a king - and treated to a luxurious bath, a spritz of the latest cologne and a new bandana! BAILEY'S BUBBLE BUS is a (and probably the only) mobile dog grooming salon in our community. We were treated to a tour of the inside of the BUS and were able to get some pictures of very able groomer, Courtney, in action. Have difficulties getting pooch into the car? Want to keep him close to his environment? Give BAILEY'S BUBBLE BUS a call - 702-3746. Tell them Aiden sent you!

By the way, BAILEY'S BUBBLE BUS is a "Best in Show" sponsor of our upcoming Homeward Bound! Thank you Brendan and Bailey!



Dottie Goes Home

April 3, 2011

Our sweet cat, Dottie, went home on Saturday after spending most of her young life in the Shelter. Dottie arrived with a litter of kittens in late 2009 - and while all of her siblings were adopted, Dottie stayed, and stayed, and stayed. However, her "purr-fect" match came in yesterday, and in a flurry, Dottie went home! And by the way - that new home includes Sandie - who was adopted from the Shelter in mid-2010! PURR-FECT!!

Congratulations to Dottie and her new family!

 

SPCA on Willet Dairy Case

March 27, 2011

After receiving a complaint, forwarded from the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office, the SPCA Police launched an investigation into animal abuse allegations at the Willet Dairy farm in the Town of Genoa, New York.

As part of this investigative process, the Commissioner of New York State Agriculture and Markets also convened an assessment team under the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAPS).  The NYSCHAPS assessment team consisted of multiple subject matter experts, who generated a detailed report reflecting their findings as a consensus based upon extensive research.



The SPCA Police’s site inspection, employee interviews, and most of the additional investigative activities were completed, or underway, prior to the release of the NYSCHAPS report.   As part of this investigation, the SPCA Police had contact with numerous veterinarians possessing extensive experience within the dairy industry, its associated New York State Laws, and who possess first hand knowledge of the operations at Willet Dairy.  It was the unanimous opinion of these veterinarians that Willet Dairy is an industry leader in providing animal care and husbandry.



In short, the NYSCHAPS inspection and SPCA Police investigation were conducted independent of one another, generating nearly identical findings.  Such an outcome speaks to the integrity of the process.  Once this process was completed, the formal reports were forwarded to the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office for notification of our findings.



I would like to take an opportunity to thank District Attorney Jon Budelmann, Assistant District Attorney Diane Adsit, and District Attorney Investigator James Bender for their assistance in this case.  In an effort to maintain the integrity of our investigative process and reduce some of the added burden to the SPCA Police, the District Attorney’s Office handled the majority of public and press related communications.  Members of the DA’s staff also played a vital role in providing the SPCA with logistical support, when needed, in the form of extra manpower and use of a conference room.



To the public, thank you for your continued support and interest in preventing crimes against animals.  Please remember that the SPCA Police Department’s investigative services are provide without any financial assistance from New York State, Cayuga County, City of Auburn, or any other local governments.  Your donations and corporate sponsorship is greatly appreciated.


Sincerely,

Chief Joshua Crane
SPCA Police Department
Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York



Young Boy Asks for Donations to Shelter Instead of Presents for Birthday

February 1, 2011

Young Bradon York recently had his 9th birthday, and instead of presents, he asked his parents for donations for the dogs and cats at the Shelter.

Thank you, Bradon, for your kindness and generosity to the animals!"

 

Case Study Highlights Importance of Rabies Vaccinations

January 12, 2011

HealthDay News reported that a newly published case history highlights the importance of rabies vaccinations for pets and animal shelter workers.

The report details a situation involving a stray dog found in rural Minnesota and taken to a North Dakota animal shelter in March 2010. When it was later learned that the dog had rabies, public health officials began an investigation using animal shelter records and a public notification to identify people and animals who may have had contact with the rabid dog.

As a result, post-exposure rabies vaccine was given to 21 people, including nine animal shelter workers and one volunteer. Because of potential contact with the rabid dog, 36 dogs were euthanized, including some that had been housed with the rabid animal and others that might have been exposed and were not up-to-date on their rabies shots. As of December 2010, there had been no reported cases of rabies in any of the humans or dogs included in the investigation, HealthDay News reported.

Winter Skin and Paw Care Tips

January 12, 2011

The tips include:

  • Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in between the toes

  • Trim long-haired dogs to minimize the clinging of ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry on the skin

  • Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws

  • Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells

  • Massage petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside helps to protect from salt and chemical agents.

For more information about pet care in winter, read Pet Winter Safety: Prepping Your Pet for Winter Weather.



2010

 

Christmas Decorations Could Pose Threats to Pets

December 7, 2010

A Mississippi State Professor warned pet owners to be aware that Christmas decorations can pose hazards to curious animals in a recent article.

Dr. Walter Mullen, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, listed some of the potential hazards, including holiday plants (several are toxic to pets, including poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies); ornaments (glass ornaments can result in injury should they be chewed or fall and break); decorative strands such a tinsel (when pets swallow strand-like decorations, the material may remain in the intestines for extended periods of time and result in abdominal pain); and Christmas trees (trees must be secured and animals shouldn’t have access to its water).  Mullen wrote: “While veterinary emergency services are available in most areas, evaluating your home environment and taking a few preventive measures can protect four-legged family members and help ensure a safer holiday season.”



Holiday Safety for Cats

December 7, 2010

Cats need to be cared for more than dogs during the holidays, according to a recent article.  They are smaller than dogs and far more easily hassled and startled as compared to dogs. For example, chocolate is extremely dangerous for both animals, but can easily be lethal for cats even in smaller doses.

Cats are great climbers and usually have full run of the house, which means they are going to explore Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. If you have a real Christmas tree in the front garden, make sure it is well-watered so that the pine leaves do not dry out and fall. These sharp leaves can puncture the internal organs if ingested, they are also poisonous.

Confetti, tinsel, ribbons, wraps, and other such decorative stuff should be securely anchored to the Christmas tree, preferably at the top. Electric wiring is a hazard; keep lights on only when required. Apply a cat repellant to prevent your curious feline from getting too close to the lights. Check decorative stuff for their potential toxicity if ingested by your cat, for example artificial snow is toxic, don’t use it. Consider placing your cat with pet-sitters for a few days if you feel that will keep the animal out of harm’s way and let you enjoy Christmas that much more freely.




Great Gift Ideas for This Holiday Season

December 6, 2010

Have that person in your life who already has everything, or is just plain hard to shop for?!!  Here are some great gift ideas that can also help pets at the FLSPCA of CNY:

  • Make a Donation in Their Name:  Donations are an important part of how the shelter continues to care for our homeless animals.  Your donation can go towards many different programs including:  shelter for the animals, spaying and neutering, medical supplies and vaccines, memberships, wherever most needed, and memorials.

  • Sponsor a Pet for Your Loved One:  Learn how you can make a tremendous difference for a dog or cat by sponsoring a pet.

  • Help a Dog in Need:  The Shelter is seeking donations of dog houses (used or new). Unfortunately, the cold(er) months are already upon us and there will be many dogs out in the community with little or no shelter. We would dearly love to be able to provide these poor dogs with some comfort when they are left outside for hours at a time - or live out of doors on a permanent basis. If you have a doghouse to donate, please call us or bring it to the Shelter during business hours - M/T/W from 12-5 and Sat/Sun from 12-4.

  • Donate a Scratching Pad:  Cats love to scratch and stretch - they are cat behaviors that all felines share!  These items are part of our Shelter Enrichment Program and our cats would love to have a steady supply of them. A box would make a great holiday gift for our felines while they are waiting for new homes.  The website for ordering is www.StretchandScratch.com.

  • Donate a Cat Kuranda Bed:  Help us improve our feline living quarters with these wonderful new cat beds. The new Kuranda Cat Bed provides the same raised, orthopedic comfort as their dog bed, but the size is especially designed to fit into cat cages. See http://kuranda.com/catalog/view_donee.php for more information.




Cookbook Fundraiser for the Shelter

December 5, 2010

Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY would like to try - again - to collect recipes from all of our supporters and friends and compile them into a Shelter cookbook.

We would love to have your favorite recipes in just about any category of food - casseroles, breakfast, fish, desserts, candy, etc. and any special cooking, baking or kitchen tips you would like to share with us. We would also like to have a special section of recipes with names of animals in them, e.g., Zebra Brownies, Turtle Soup, etc.

You can submit your recipes online by Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at flspca_cny@yahoo.com, drop them off at the Shelter or mail them to us at: 41 York Street. You can submit as many recipes as you like!

Also - we need a name for our cookbook - so please get your creative juices running and help us name the cookbook! Thanks for supporting this fundraising effort!



Seneca Cayuga ARC Ladies Group

Sara Lewis' Thursday morning Ladies Group at the Seneca-Cayuga ARC held a very successful fundraiser for the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York and brought in wonderful donations of food, litter, towels, bleach and other much-needed items. Shelter kitten, Sebastian, paid the ladies a visit and accepted the donations on behalf of the Shelter. Pictured here are the "Ladies" in front of the Shelter truck that is full of donations. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK!


New Dog Shelters Donated by Our Volunteers!

Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who built and brought these great shelters for our shelter canines! They are absolutely perfect to keep our dogs out of the sun and inclement weather. The dogs love being in the play yard and they can now take advantage of the yard on days when they can huddle down under the shelter and watch the world go by. We want to especially thank Home Depot, Erie Materials and TK Lumber for their generous donation of the materials that the Shelters are made of. THANK YOU to everyone.


What Would You Do if Disaster Struck?  Do You Have a Pet Evacuation Plan?

(Taken from the ASPCA Website)

As Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the current tragedies in the Gulf Coast region and Tennessee illustrate, disasters come in all shapes and sizes. Even with the aid of disaster response teams, homes and families were devastated by these destructive events—and many evacuees lost their companion animals. With hurricane season just around the corner, the ASPCA reminds you to help keep your family intact by creating an emergency evacuation plan. Even if you don’t live in an area that’s known for dangerous weather, please take the following simple actions before you’re forced to confront a catastrophe.

 

  • Have an Evacuation Plan in Place  Plan for the worst-case scenario. Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible, make sure all your pets are wearing proper identification and consider your evacuation route ahead of time. Download the "Ready Pets Brochure" from the ASPCA website on pet-friendly evacuation for more information.

  • Arrange a Safe Haven  Don’t leave your pet behind if you’re forced to evacuate. Find out if there are emergency animal shelters in your area. If not, take these steps to keep your pet safe.

  • Pre-Pack an Emergency Kit  Prepare a “go kit” of essential pet supplies before disaster strikes, and make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. The kit should be clearly labeled, easy to carry and should include items such as a pet first aid kit, recent photos of your animal companion and any medications on which his health depends.

  • Choose a Designated Caregiver  Consider who you’d like to act as your pet’s temporary caregiver should you not make it home in time to retrieve your pet. Make sure the person you choose agrees to take on the responsibility, has a key to your residence and has spent time getting to know your animal companion.

  • Get a Rescue Alert Sticker  Affix these decals, available for free from the ASPCA website, to the windows of your home to alert rescue officials that a pet lives inside.