Assemblyman John D. Ceretto (R, I-Lewiston) and Senator George D. Maziarz (R, C, I- Newfane) today reacted to the investigation into allegations of mistreatment of animals at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Niagara. The lawmakers had previously called for such an investigation and have been monitoring the situation closely.
Among the items detailed in the report were missing records for dogs that were euthanized as well as lack of documented treatment for dogs that ended up being euthanized. The investigation also revealed a lack of oversight from leadership within the SPCA of Niagara at both staff and board levels.
“The release of this report raises even more questions about practices at the SPCA of Niagara,” said Ceretto. “Serious allegations of poor recordkeeping for animals that were euthanized, decisions allegedly being based on ‘space’ concerns lead me to continue my call for a ‘kill free’ facility.”
“The SPCA of Niagara has much to answer for,” said Maziarz. “I have called for a true no-kill facility, and I believe firmly that the SPCA of Niagara will not recover, in the eyes of its volunteers, the supporters of its true mission and the municipalities they serve, until these steps are taken.”
Assemblyman Ceretto and Senator Maziarz represent large portions of Niagara County, including many municipalities that have withdrawn from their contracts with the company. They previously called for an investigation on January 3, making them the first public officials to do so.
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