The Montgomery County SPCA in Pennsylvania needs new management NOW for the sake of the animals and its staff.

“The Montco rescue has the lowest save rate among 11 shelters in the Philadelphia region.”

A recent expose in The Philadelphia Inquirer on the Montgomery County SPCA (MSPCA) in Pennsylvania shared numerous issues impacting the animals in its care and the staff they employ. The shelter has $67 million, pays its executive director $240K yet doesn't have the money to properly care for its animals. Carmen Ronio, the executive director, has been there for 52 years and runs the shelter “like it’s back in the 60s.” The Operations Manager and Shelter Manager are siblings. The wife of the Operations Manager works there. Ronio’s wife handles payroll. 

“Despite tens of millions of dollars in assets, the main shelter is dangerously rundown…”

An OSHA violation from this summer exposed black mold in a room for sick kittens. Dogs continuously injure themselves in broken kennels that are falling apart.  Some kennels are not in use because they do not function, reducing shelter capacity. There is no proper drainage for animal excrement or urine in the kennels and often animals are left sitting in their excrement for over 20 hours.

“Management is very trigger-happy to put any animal down for any reason ...”

The MSPCA does not have a qualified professional to assess shelter animal behavior. That position and person do not exist. Almost all pit bulls are deemed aggressive even though they can be safely handled by staff and volunteers. This includes a recent puppy pit bull who was not at a risk to anyone.

“The buck stops – and starts – with the Board.”

Ronio and the Board need to go. It is time for a fresh start for the MSPCA – for the animals and for the staff.  

(all quotes taken from the recent Philadelphia Inquirer story.)