November 18, 2005

Community helps out SPCA

This morning's Journal editorial thanks residents for a wave of adoptions when the SPCA was full. As the Journal tells it:

In late October, the staff at the Tompkins County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was tested by what it called a "perfect storm." The nationally renowned no-kill shelter in Dryden did some good charity work to aid animals displaced by Hurricane Katrina. But that began to tax the shelter's limits. Then, a local animal-cruelty investigation led to the seizure of many animals, and combined with an unexpected spike in the number of cats surrendered, the SPCA's pet population swelled beyond its practical limits.

Warm-hearted liberals and compassionate conservatives alike in Tompkins answered the call. From Oct. 26 to Nov. 8, good, long-term homes were found for 69 cats and 18 dogs, according to new SPCA Executive Director Jeff Lydon. The surge in adoptions may well have set a record at the shelter, Lydon said, and it swiftly helped reduce the animal population to manageable levels and alleviated overcrowded conditions.

Dryden residents in the Ithaca School District may also be interested in a story on a possible February referendum about additional taxes to support the Tompkins County Public Library.

Posted by simon at November 18, 2005 9:19 PM in
Note on photos