Commissioners: SPCA Quandary ‘A Serious Crisis’

Delaware County’s 49 municipalities are scrambling to resolve the forthcoming problem of managing stray animals before the Delaware County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) stops accepting them from towns and citizens June 30.

The county SPCA will become a no-kill shelter and will no longer accept strays.

“This is not really a solution, but a step to make the community aware, not only in Springfield but all across the County of Delaware,” Commissioner Lee J. Janiczek (R-Ward 3) said regarding a non-binding resolution passed May 10 in support of the county Consortium of Government’s effort to find “a fair and cost-effective solution to the challenge created by the SPCA’s action.”

“This presents a serious crisis, not only for municipalities but residents too,” Janiczek said.

Springfield Police Chief Joseph Daly told Patch the county has a potential location in mind for a new stray animal facility run by county municipalities.

He said state law requires local government, through police, to manage stray dogs, but not necessary cats or other feral animals.

Daly said stray animals would face greater pain if they remain at large, than if they were taken to a shelter. He said dogs could be hit by cars or starve if not managed.