The Suffolk County S.P.C.A. has failed to protect the animals in Suffolk County, New York! It is time that as a community we recognize this. We need to be the voice for the animals and insist on a new Humane Law Enforcement Agency that will be held accountable as well as responsible for protecting the welfare of the animals in the county. We reside in one of the wealthiest counties in NY; donations carry this organization, yet neglect continues daily. This has happened due to the failure of the Suffolk County S.P.C.A. to meet these animals’ social and physical needs.

            Suffolk County has had a contract in the past with the SPCA to investigate violations involving County laws and to enforce the State Agricultural & Markets laws which pertain to animal crimes. Approximately 2500 cases a year are investigated, yet this organization has only made 4 arrests in 2014, 4 in 2013 and 3 in 2012. Within the contract are several other programs for the public that are not being upheld. This includes animal bite and dangerous dog registries for the purpose of public information and the spay/neuter of 20 feral cats per week.

            On May 13, 2014 the Legislature passed the “Tethering Law”, which specifies by what means and how long a dog can be tethered and at the same time ensures public safety. This Law was created because Legislators no longer wanted a dog to endure a 24/7 life on a heavy metal chain, with no human interaction, except a knee to the chest to keep from jumping; a life in a cold uninsulated dog house with a leaky roof; a life where there is just a puddle to drink from and food is tossed from a distance. How is it possible that the Legislature has found and determined that Suffolk County is “the leader in the protection and welfare of animals”; that as of January 11, 2015, not ONE summons has been issued under the new law?

            We the People of Suffolk County propose to the County Executive and Legislators that a new Humane Law Enforcement Agency be established.  This is how we propose that the animal laws can be upheld and the animals protected in Suffolk County, so that we all can be proud to say that Suffolk County truly is “the leader in protection and welfare of the animals".