Legislators just passed a 2014 budget which allocates $49,902 to support the DCSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Department. The remaining 60 percent needed to provide the service throughout the year was provided by donors. There were more than 1,750 complaints investigated by DCSPA officers in 2013.
The Dutchess County SPCA coordinates with the Dutchess County Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations, make arrests and serve warrants. DSPCA officers are New York State-certified peace officers who must complete the state training program before receiving credentials. They do not carry a weapon.
“We are grateful to Dutchess County, especially [County Executive] Marcus Molinaro, Sheriff Butch Anderson, and our Dutchess County Legislators for continuing to support the DCSPCA’s efforts to protect animals from cruelty,” said DSCPCA Executive Director Jackie Rose. “Together, we have saved countless lives and helped to hold offenders accountable when they are found to be abusing or neglecting animals.”
According to Rose, Craig Thomas Pest Control has released a PSA seen on Cablevision reminding people to notify the Dutchess County SPCA if they witness or suspect animal cruelty.
“Recently, the ASPCA in New York City announced they were ending their own humane law enforcement services in the city,” Rose noted. “Our names are similar so it is common for people to think that we are affiliated in some way. We want to assure people here in our community that we will continue our efforts locally.”
In addition to enforcing animal cruelty laws in Dutchess County, the DCSPCA has contracts to provide animal control services for 10 other municipalities.
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