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SPCA asks Cayuga County for $25,000 contract to continue humane law‑enforcement services
Summary
The Finger Lakes SPCA executive director told the legislature the organization enforces Agriculture & Markets Article 26 in Cayuga County, described case work and costs for 2023–24, and requested a $25,000 contract to help sustain services amid rising veterinary care costs.
Nick (last name not provided), executive director of the Finger Lakes SPCA, told the Cayuga County Legislature on July 22 that the SPCA performs humane law‑enforcement services in the county under Agriculture & Markets Article 26, holds live evidence for court cases and works with the sheriff’s office and the district attorney on cruelty and neglect investigations.
The SPCA director described several court cases in which animals were seized and held as live evidence, and provided year‑to‑year figures the organization tracks. He said the SPCA investigated 386 complaints in 2023; humane law enforcement took custody of 61 animals and held live evidence for 312 days with related holding costs of about $9,115. For 2024, the SPCA investigated 224 complaints, took custody of 56 animals in social‑service cases and reported $51,800 in costs tied to those cases; the organization held four animals as live evidence for a combined 764 days with live‑evidence holding costs of $19,550 (the presentation gave total live‑evidence costs and day counts for that year).
The director said the SPCA is pursuing closer collaboration with the county district attorney and sheriff’s office to create a formal animal‑cruelty task force. He asked the legislature to consider contracting with the Finger Lakes SPCA for humane law‑enforcement services and said, “At this time, we are looking for $25,000 for a contract.” He said rising veterinary costs are making it difficult for the SPCA to continue providing the level of service the county currently receives.
During questions, the presenter addressed why animals are sometimes held as live evidence for long periods: prosecution timelines and judicial rulings can delay transfer of custody, and in some cases owners decline to surrender animals, requiring the SPCA to continue care until court disposition. The SPCA director said the organization attempts to obtain restitution for medical and holding costs but that most defendants lack the means to repay.
The legislature did not vote on the request during the meeting; the presentation closed with an invitation for further discussion on a contract.
