The Niagara County SPCA in Wheatfield has made a 180-degree turnaround following last year's disturbing findings according to Barbara Carr, director of the SPCA of Erie County.
Carr appeared at the shelter Wednesday to deliver her review of the facility one year later.
"You know while I was there, all the animals were healthy. All the animals were happy. There was enrichment for everybody...The animals weren't suffering from no enrichment. It was pretty impressive," said Carr.
That is a much different response following her scathing 2012 review that found major mismanagement and numerous deficiencies, including a high rate of euthanasia among cats and dogs.
"The manner in which they were performing euthanasia with a direct inner cardiac injection which is illegal in New York State unless an animal is heavily sedated. But they now manage their dog and cat intake so they're not facing those issues of euthanasia at all," said Carr.
Last year's finding stated 473 cats and 100 dogs were euthanized, some in a span of just three months.
Carr praised the leadership of director Amy Lewis and the shelter's new board members.
But Carr did state that the Niagara SPCA must now step up its fundraising efforts to improve financial support.
"I would certainly recommend they invest in a professional development person," noted Carr.
