Petition for Leadership Change at the York County SPCA
For generations, York County residents have supported the York County SPCA because they believed it would serve as a safety net for animals in need and a trusted resource for our communities. Today, many residents, donors, volunteers, rescue organizations, and animal advocates are questioning whether the organization is fulfilling that responsibility under the leadership of Executive Director Steven Martinez.

This petition is not about the dedicated staff, volunteers, foster families, or supporters who work tirelessly every day to help animals. Rather, it is a call for accountability and leadership that better reflects the needs of York County's animals and the communities that support them.

Over the past several years, community members have raised concerns regarding the direction of the organization and the impact of key operational decisions. These concerns are based on publicly available information, organizational reporting, and the experiences of local rescue organizations that increasingly find themselves filling gaps in animal care throughout York County.

According to publicly reported intake data, the York County SPCA's annual intake declined from approximately 3,700 animals in 2020 to 2,743 animals in 2024—a reduction of roughly 26 percent. During that same period, many local rescue organizations report intake increases ranging from 50 to 70 percent as they work to accommodate animals that still need placement, rehabilitation, and care.

Community members have also raised concerns regarding:

Reduced animal intake and the resulting burden placed on smaller local rescues.
Adoption practices that some believe lack sufficient screening measures to ensure successful long-term placements.
Response times and support for community animal welfare concerns.
The organization's commitment to serving as a countywide resource for all animals in need.
The growing gap between community expectations and organizational practices.
In addition, many residents have questioned organizational priorities and financial stewardship. Publicly available IRS Form 990 filings indicate that executive compensation increased from approximately $456,110 to $733,395 annually over the past six years. Community members have also expressed concern about expenditures on facility renovations and other capital projects at a time when many believe greater investments should be directed toward animal intake, field services, and community support programs.

These concerns have led many supporters to question whether the York County SPCA is operating in a manner consistent with its historic mission and the expectations of the community that funds and supports it.

The people signing this petition believe York County deserves an animal welfare organization led by individuals who prioritize:

Transparency and accountability.
Open communication with the public.
Meaningful collaboration with local rescue partners.
Responsible stewardship of donor and taxpayer resources.
Increased access and support for animals in need.
A renewed commitment to serving the entire York County community.
For these reasons, we respectfully call upon the York County SPCA Board of Directors to conduct a comprehensive review of Executive Director Steven Martinez's leadership and to consider a transition in leadership that will restore public confidence, strengthen community partnerships, and better fulfill the organization's mission.

Our animals deserve compassionate care. Our community deserves accountability.

Sign below if you support a leadership review and leadership change at the York County SPCA.