Ex-SPCA officials charged with cruelty

ATTICA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Susan Davila , the former manager of the Wyoming County SPCA , and former Wyoming County SPCA President Janet Foisett are both facing charges.

 >>  You can see both of their mug shots in WIVB.com's mug shot photo gallery

Davila has been charged with 20 counts of animal cruelty, under the state agriculture and marketing laws, and was processed Wednesday morning at State Police barracks in Warsaw.

Davila and Foisset were also charged with one count each of evidence tampering. State Police explain that the women took cats from an Erie County home being investigated by the SPCA of Erie County. The homeowner, Claire Young, was allegedly hoarding cats in Lawtons. Authorities say the Davila and Foisset took some 200 cats from Young's home and sheltered them in the Wyoming County SPCA to help her avoid charges.

Later, just before the raid, State Police say Davilia and Foisset were instrumental in moving cats from the basement of the Wyoming County Shelter. As a result, both women were additionally charged with evidence tampering.

February 15th, state police raided the shelter in Attica, after receiving complaints about the deplorable conditions inside. More than 500 cats were found inside, some suffering from disease and overcrowded conditions. Cats were even found inside of the walls.

The SPCA of Erie County assisted state police in handling the situation, and finding homes for the cats. Many animal rescue groups also took part in the adoption process.

May 24th, Davila will appear in court to answer the charges. As she was leaving the New York State Trooper Barracks in Warsaw Wednesday morning, she said “I’m not going to be the scapegoat,” regarding animal cruelty charges.

Later Davila told News 4, "I'm not a monster, I did what I had to do."

She claims others involved in the running of the shelter are hoarders and is concerned about the future of the shelter. Davila said she was running both the shelter in Attica and the cat adoption center at Eastern Hills Mall, with very little help.