Citing surge in cruelty cases, SPCA launches Spring fund drive
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY ERIC WENSEL/THE LEADER Animal Cruelty Officer Scott Mazzo snuggles Aurora, an abandoned cat that was found and taken to the SPCA.

BATH - The Finger Lakes SPCA, faced with a 150 percent increase in animal cruelty reports, has begun its annual Spring fund drive with a campaign goal of $30,000.

The surge in cruelty calls has swamped the organization, according to Executive Director Vicky Mosgrove. Even while complaints do not always require a response from Animal Cruelty Inv. Scott Mazzo, each call demands the involvement from other SPCA staff members.

In addition, the surge in cruelty complaints has led to increased animal admissions at the state Route 54 facility.

"This has resulted in further depletion of our already stretched financial and human resources," Mosgrove said. "Our already overburdened shelter and bare-bones programs are simply being stretched to the limit."

The Finger Lakes SPCA receives annual public support from Steuben County, but the county's $25,000 contribution is a fraction of the organization's $200,000 budget. The bulk of SPCA revenues - about $141,000 - come from fund raising, donations and private giving.

The majority of expenses, about $91,000, are dedicated to the shelter staff payroll, while about $45,000 is dedicated to funding law enforcement efforts to curb animal cruelty.

Mosgrove noted the majority of cruelty complaints involve cases of untreated medical needs and inadequate sheltering. Most cases can be resolved through individual counseling; however Mazzo makes an average 10 arrests a year that address intentional violence against animals and abuse that includes poisoning, stabbing, beating and torturing.

To help the spring fundraising campaign, the SPCA has instituted a "Superheroes" program that recognizes contributions that cover the full cost of the following expenses:

+ Cruelty vehicle purchase: $4,000

+ General liability insurance: $3,500

+ Workers compensation: $1,400

+ Boiler repair: $1,350

+ Veterinary and medical expenses: $1,000

+ Gas and water: $700 + Electric: $350

+ Telephone: $290

Area residents interested in supporting the SPCA can learn more at www.fingerlakesspca.org or by calling 776-3039. Checks may be mailed to: Finger Lakes SPCA Inc., 7315 state Route 54, Bath, NY 14810.