Supervisor’s Notes

Monday, January 9th, 2012

STATEMENT REGARDING THE SPCA INVESTIGATION
January 9, 2012

First, to all concerned, note that the problems alleged at the SPCA are really a Niagara County wide issue affecting all 12 towns and 3 cities. We will not shirk our roll in this process, but please understand that we are not the decision maker in how this investigation will proceed other than sharing our views.
Regarding the allegations of animal abuse, over the past couple of days I have had numerous conversations with passionate animal specialists and activists, all of whom believe that our SPCA is years behind the times in its treatment of animals.
I’ve spoken at some length with Barbara Carr of the Erie County SPCA, the person selected by the SPCA to perform their investigation and report upon her findings. Then, after Saturday’s protest at the SPCA I had a visit from perhaps 30 very concerned friends of our cats and dogs; here I first met several other animal advocates. For example, as others left, Peter Reese stayed behind to share his concerns.
Sunday morning I spent a couple of hours meeting with Carol Tutzauer from Buffalo Humane. She taught me a great deal and gave me a bunch of materials supporting “No Kill” concepts. When I returned home, Peter Reese and his wife stopped by to further discuss their views and their support of “No Kill”in Erie County, and that they would financially support “No Kill” actions here in Niagara County. I also spoke briefly with Morgan Dunbar, one of the group’s leaders, another very well spoken“No Kill” advocate.
Speaking on behalf of the Town of Wheatfield Board, we are all very concerned that all dogs and cats brought to the SPCA receive the best of care. We strongly encourage the SPCA Board to listen to these learned and concerned animal specialists and incorporate their vision into the SPCA’s policies and procedures. To be fully versed in these concepts, ideas which have worked well elsewhere, the Board of the SPCA would do well to add one or more “No Kill” advocates into their ranks.
Personally, I greatly prefer a totally independent investigation of recent SPCA actions; there are apparent connections between Barbara Carr and the Niagara County SPCA which bring her impartiality into question. However, Wheatfield has no control over the SPCA board, we must live with their decision to have Ms. Carr perform this investigation. I trust that this will happen very soon and ask that the SPCA quickly release the results. Then please, immediately take those actions necessary to protect our dogs and cats.

While we await the results of the investigation, we hereby authorize Craig Schultz to perform the services of Dog Control Officer as directed by Town Clerk, Kathy Harrington or myself. For now, anyone with a dog control issue who is concerned that the SPCA may not be the best service provider will have this alternative.This will be reviewed after receipt of the results of this investigation.

Bob Cliffe Wheatfield Supervisor