Our beloved family friend once volunteered at Erie County SPCA and met a cat who was shy and distrustful but ultimately sweet-natured. After a few weeks of their warm companionship, the shelter euthanized the cat without any warning. The devastation of our friend was palpable; she had fallen deeply for this cat and had she known about the shelter's intentions, she would have adopted her. This is a tragic story, but sadly not an isolated one at Erie County SPCA. 

Just recently, a 7 month old puppy was euthanized. She was very energetic and not responding very well in the shelter. Instead of finding her a foster home, or instead of being transferred to a facility that would better meet her needs, they euthanized her. Another volunteer also quit because of this.

Despite their claims of being a no-kill shelter, healthy animals are sometimes euthanized there. This is not only devastating to those who care for these animals but also deceptive to the public who entrust them with homeless animals. No-kill shelters across the country have proven that euthanasia should only be a last resort measure for terminally ill pets or those with severe behavioral problems. According to the No Kill Advocacy Center, 90% of animals entering a shelter are savable, showing that it is possible for shelters to truly operate as a no-kill facility (source : No Kill Advocacy Center).

Therefore, we are calling for the restructuring of Erie County SPCA's policies. We demand that they commit to full transparency about their practices and genuinely implement a no-kill policy, with euthanasia only used for animals that are suffering and cannot be saved. This is not only more humane, but aligns more truthfully with their self-proclaimed no-kill status.

Please sign our petition to help make Erie County SPCA a genuine no-kill shelter.