Three state lawmakers representing Niagara County are joining other elected and community leaders in calling for an investigation into the Niagara County SPCA.
Executive director John Faso is accused of an unprecedented amounts of dog and cat euthanizations and horrifying charges of medical maltreatment in recent months.
State senators George Maziarz Mark Grisanti and Assemblyman John Certetto are joining other leaders in denouncing what they call "reprehensible" allegations.
“These reports make me sick,” Senator Maziarz said. “The SPCA is supposed to be a place of shelter and refuge for animals in need. When we read about these companions being stuck in a cage and not getting the medical care they need, it is just shameful. Someone needs to be held accountable, and the Board cannot wait weeks before it meets again and discusses this. This is a crisis situation that warrants an emergency meeting. The public has a right to know what has been going on, and we deserve to know now.”
“Too many animals are being killed unnecessarily, and that must stop,” Senator Grisanti said. “This neglect simply cannot be tolerated. There have been repeated warnings from staff, board members, and volunteers, and the warnings seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The leadership must be called into question.
Assemblyman Ceretto said, "These reports coming out of the SPCA are very troubling. A full investigation is needed to get to the bottom of this. To those with pets, this story is especially horrifying. I consider my pets family members and these reports anger me. The SPCA has a responsibility to investigate these allegations as soon as possible and I join these local officials in calling for one in an efficient, transparent manner."
Officials are calling on the Niagara County SPCA Board of directors to call for a special meeting and begin a thorough investigation.