Inspectors not focusing on cat records

WHEATFIELD, N.Y. (WIVB) -  

The embattled SPCA of Niagara passed a surprise inspection, but state officials did find one problem. The agency says it has found missing paper work concerning dogs that were euthanized.

The SPCA of Niagara is telling the state, the three dogs in question during a surprise inspection Friday had to be euthanized before the five-day waiting period, in order to put them out of their misery.

Spokesman Stefan Mychajliw said, "From what I can understand from the reports themselves, those animals were suffering terribly."

On all other quality of care questions, the shelter did well during the inspection. You can read the state's report on the inspection here.

NYS Dept. of Agriculture spokesman Jessica Ziehm said, "We found that the shelter was a clean and safe environment for animals and the majority of its records were in order. We also noted that euthanasia was performed humanly by authorized personnel."

But recent concerns have centered on allegations that too many animals are euthanized for the wrong reasons. One charge is that 473 cats were put down in less than a three-month period last year.

But the state will not check on what happens to cats because they are not protected under New York's animal control laws.

"It's not something we would have jurisdiction over," explained Ziehm.

That came as a shock Leanne Powers, who wants the paperwork made available on what happens to the dogs and cats brought into the SPCA of Niagara.

"It was absolutely alarming that cats are not receiving the same treatment in this equation as dogs or consideration," said Powers.

Barbara Carr, the Executive Director of the Erie County SPCA, is conducting her own investigation into the way the Niagara facility is run. She says she has demanded and received access to important records.

"I can actually go into the data software and pull whatever records I want," said Carr.

Carr has served as a consultant to the Humane Society of the United States, among her many credentials. While critics have said one SPCA should not be investigating another, Carr says she has the expertise and the Erie County facility has the reputation that warrants the involvement by the Erie County SPCA.