The results of a special investigation on the SPCA of Niagara were released this morning. Erie County SPCA Director Barbara Carr answered questions after the release of a 116-page written report that stated:
- At least some animals were reportedly euthanized without written records being kept.
- Missing/incomplete procedures caused problems for staff and animals.
- Staff members may not have had proper training.
- Suggests complete restructuring of Rainbow Shelter.
- Calls current Niagara SPCA board “dysfunctional.”
Ms. Carr’s comments:
- Among several hundreds animals euthanized, many of those “outcomes” were not recorded.
- Two technicians said that they euthanized “healthy” animals, mostly cats.
- Many of the dogs were euthanized after diagnoses of unspecified aggression.
- High rate of canine euthanasia “not normal here.”
- Discrepancy between number of canine euthanasia and sign-offs by SPCA Niagara Executive Director.
- Niagara SPCA “serving two masters,” animal control vs. protecting animals from people.
- Not enough community support to continue mission without animal control contracts from government.
- Hard to prove or show intentions of those involved. She “didn’t meet any evil people.”
- Healthy animals were put to sleep because of lack of space.
- Adoption rates in Niagara County “abysmally low.”
- No standard operating procedures in writing for Rainbow Shelter.
- Relatively low number of volunteers.
- Euthanasia drugs were not administered properly, causing animals significant pain and nausea.
- Some improvements have been made to shelter, and other improvements have been made since initial Erie County SPCA engagement.
- Board should request a second, independent (non-local) report in 6-9 months.

Refresh to Update:
- @canadaupdate1: Petrozzi won’t seek re-election to SPCA board: NIAGARA FALLS— Russell J. Petrozzi, the well-known member of the ... http://t.co/r6eb8vSW about 3 hours ago
- @breakingniagara: Petrozzi won’t seek re-election to SPCA board: NIAGARA FALLS— Russell J. Petrozzi, the well-known member of the... http://t.co/MSkkCCQl about 4 hours ago
- @Dee_K: People PLEASE let the new interim Director of Niagara County SPCA get settled in before you demand anything! about 18 hours ago
- @SportzGurlLOL: It was so kind and generous of the Niagara County SPCA to donate ashes to area Catholic churches for tomorrow's services. about 18 hours ago
- @ACENTE_HR: Niagara SPCA plans for new leadership: The Niagara County SPCA has laid out a plan with the approval of the ... http://t.co/W0sbTIhU #HR about 1 day ago
- @SPCA_fans: SPCA of Niagara Interim Director Speaks: NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- The troubled SPCA of Niagara has a new Interim E.. http://t.co/qVwK55t5 about 1 day ago
- @HotelComeIn: SPCA of Niagara Interim Director Speaks: NIAGARA FALLS, NY -- The troubled SPCA of Niagara has a new Interim Exe... http://t.co/ZXFStONi about 1 day ago
- @SPCA_fans: SPCA of Niagara Interim Director Speaks - WGRZ-TV: WGRZ-TVSPCA of Niagara Interim Director SpeaksWGRZ-TVNIAGARA .. http://t.co/bkdlBFGI about 1 day ago
- @BuffaloUpdate: Niagara SPCA Lays out Plan to Elect New Board - WKBW http://t.co/GNqZ1Sun about 1 day ago
- @buffalobreeze: Niagara SPCA Lays out Plan to Elect New Board http://t.co/TnDtdsLy about 1 day ago
- @SPCA_fans: Niagara SPCA Lays out Plan to Elect New Board: Despite recent upheaval at the Niagara SPCA, the agency says it i.. http://t.co/X7iJ6wdC about 1 day ago
- @WGRZ: RT @2MelissaHolmes: Tonight at 6pm on @WGRZ, I talk to the new Interim Director of the Niagara Co. SPCA. What are her top priorities? Tune in! about 1 day ago
- @2MelissaHolmes: Tonight at 6pm on @WGRZ, I talk to the new Interim Director of the Niagara Co. SPCA. What are her top priorities? Tune in! about 1 day ago
- @Rubigdngl: Last month the Niagara County, NY SPCA fired its executive director; this month one of its board members resigne... http://t.co/cbHaJnW1 3 days ago
- @chrisntoovi: http://t.co/NgRWh0be (Megan) http://t.co/QDJBZW1W 3 days ago
- @NewsRadio930: Group wants Niagara SPCA's Scrufari to step down now http://t.co/mu5a7bVv 3 days ago
- @yatown_news_pm: Local Firefighter Rescues Dogs -WGRZ-TV http://t.co/bmPv92ay #SaintJohnsburg #NiagaraFalls #NY 3 days ago
- @patcastillo: All 3 Golden Retrievers adopted by the Cacciatore Family. Heart warming ending to a tragic death. http://t.co/CwBknmPa 4 days ago
- @Dogsbodythe1st: Hi, Hyde Park Lake dogs adopted from SPCA: NIAGARA FALLS — The three golden retriever dogs taken to the... http://t.co/Q1E4OvL6 Dogsbody 4 days ago
- @Andrie25: Hyde Park Lake dogs adopted from SPCA: NIAGARA FALLS — The three golden retriever dogs taken to the SPCA of Niag... http://t.co/2kTKr9TY 4 days ago
- @SPCA_fans: Hyde Park Lake dogs adopted from SPCA - Niagara Gazette: WIVBHyde Park Lake dogs adopted from SPCANiagara Gazett.. http://t.co/l2Im4s1m 4 days ago
- @bestbuffalohome: http://t.co/FnMQSn21 http://t.co/biQ3ZPvZ 4 days ago
- @NiagaraGazette: Hyde Park Lake dogs adopted from SPCA http://t.co/pBvUSRzw 4 days ago
- @Erinlbwaz: 3 dogs bring bad news to Niagara SPCA president  Buffalo News ... http://t.co/D5oSoTON 4 days ago
Related posts:
- Community leaders call for investigation into gross misconduct at Niagara County SPCA
- Calling for independent investigation of Niagara County SPCA; move toward "no kill" methods for sheltering animals
- County Leaders Call for Investigation into Gross Miscounduct at Niagara County SPCA
- Community leaders question misconduct at Niagara SPCA, demand accountability
- Community leaders question misconduct at Niagara SPCA, demand accountability





