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Politics & Government

SPCA Denies County Council's Extension Request

Delaware County SPCA refused to budge on its impending July 1 animal control cutoff date.

The declined a request by the Thursday to reconsider extending a July 1 deadline that would effectively cease the SPCA's animal control responsibilities. The County Council proposed a six-month extension in an attempt to aid the transition of animal control to the municipalities, and give the county time to complete construction on a new animal control facility near Sharon Hill. 

During the meeting at the Delaware County Courthouse, members of the County Council pleaded with board members of the SPCA to reconsider their self-imposed deadline, but ultimately the board members declined for the second time in a week

"We believe that we cannot offer that extension," said Marcia Noa, board member of the SPCA. "We are standing by our interpretation of our proposal."

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In late March 2010, the Delaware County SPCA voted to stop animal control services and transition into a "no-kill" facility, according to a fact sheet released by the organization. Both Noa and the SPCA's legal council Laura Solomon agreed that the risks of continuing animal control services would be too great in both operational costs and legal responsibility. Solomon argued that because the SPCA has been collecting funds from citizens under the presumption that the facility would be transitioning to "no-kill," using the funds otherwise would be a clear violation of the rules surrounding the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act.

Additionally, both the council and the SPCA agreed that the cost of animal control causes the SPCA to virtually hemorrhage money. Noa stated that the SPCA would be "ending animal control because it's not stopping the problem." The main setback, she said, is when the facility has to euthanize healthy, adoptable pets. Members of the SPCA suggested that the council seek help from the Delaware County Humane Society for animal control services.

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"This is somewhat of a setback to the 49 municipalities," Councilman Mario Civera said. "We need to get that shelter built. The sooner we get it built, then the faster we can protect the animals of Delaware County."

Both Council Chairman John Whelan and Civera explained to the board members that the county would be willing to work with the SPCA and the District Attorney's Office in order to free them of perceived legal constraints, as well as donate money to help cover the cost of continuing animal control services. 

"Six months is not going to make you or break you," Civera said. "You know what six months is going to do? Six months is going to put the Delaware County SPCA right where it belongs with a great reputation, and we're going to be very appreciative to you."

Despite ultimately denying the County Council's request, SPCA officials were adamant about working with the county once certain steps were taken.

"Once they get a facility, we'll work with them," said Justina Calgiano, director of community relations for the SPCA, adding that any questions about animal control should now be directed toward the municipalities.

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