Ceretto and Maziarz react to SPCA of Niagara investigation

Assemblyman John Ceretto and State Sen. George Maziarz today reacted to the investigation into allegations of mistreatment of animals at the SPCA of Niagara. The lawmakers previously called for such an investigation and have been monitoring the situation closely.

Among the items detailed in the report were: missing records for dogs that were euthanized as well as lack of documented treatment for dogs that ended up being euthanized. The investigation also revealed a lack of oversight from leadership within the SPCA of Niagara at both staff and board levels.

"The release of this report raises even more questions about practices at the SPCA of Niagara," Ceretto said. "Serious allegations of poor recordkeeping for animals that were euthanized, decisions allegedly being based on 'space' concerns, lead me to continue my call for a 'kill-free' facility."

"The SPCA of Niagara has much to answer for," Maziarz said. "I have called for a true 'no-kill' facility, and I believe firmly that the SPCA of Niagara will not recover, in the eyes of its volunteers, the supporters of its true mission and the municipalities they serve, until these steps are taken."

Ceretto and Maziarz represent large portions of Niagara County, including many municipalities that have withdrawn from contracts with the SPCA.