The York County SPCA employs Humane Society Police Officers who are professionally trained to investigate and prosecute Section 5511 of the PA Crimes Code, otherwise know as the Cruelty to Animals statute If you suspect an animal is being abused or you witness an act of cruelty, please contact either the York County SPCA or York County 911. Humane Society Police Officers are accessible 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to respond to emergencies.

In the state of Pennsylvania, summary offenses under the Cruelty to Animals statute are punishable by a fine ranging from $50 to $750 and/or 90 days in jail. It is important to note that these penalties are set by the presiding magistrate, not the York County SPCA nor its officers.

Cruelty to Animals is extremely serious and is sometimes partnered with other offenses at the scene of the crime. Please do not take matters into your own hands if you have a concern about a situation. Youcould be breaking the law and putting yourself in harms way. In addition, you could disturb a crime scene that could potentially inhibit a Humane Society Police Officer from properly investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Please help us in protecting the animals of York County. We need yourassistance to alert us of potential animal abuse.

Trying to unravel mystery of dog found shot in the face

ELIZABETH EVANS The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated:03/20/2008 11:18:13 AM EDT

The York County SPCA doesn't usually enlist the help of state police to help stray dogs. Then again, most stray dogs haven't been shot in the face. Found wandering in the area of Stine Hill Road in York Township on March 13, a mixed black Labrador retriever appeared to have been hit by a car, said Melissa Smith, executive director of the SPCA.

The medium-sized dog was picked up by Animal Control Officer Tim Kohler after a resident called to report the stray, she said. "We authorized Tim to take the dog to the Animal Emergency Clinic, where an X-ray showed she was actually shot," Smith said. The bullet entered the top of her muzzle and exited out her throat, according to Smith. Fragments of the bullet also lodged in the dog's chest.

Fragment recovered: "The clinic was able to pull a bullet fragment out of (the muzzle)," Smith said, although some fragments still remain in the dog's chest. "I took the bullet fragment to the state police barracks yesterday," she said. "At this point, it's believed to have been a .22. It appears to me that somebody was trying to shoot to kill and obviously was unsuccessful." State police Cpl. Jeff Rineer said troopers examined the bullet. "Due to the condition of the fragment, positive identification of the caliber is not possible," he said, but troopers' "best guess" was a .22-caliber, he said.

The dog, named Meg by the SPCA staff, spent three days in the hospital, according to Smith, and is now recuperating at the shelter.

Unanswered questions: Smith said the SPCA wants to "solve the mystery" of who shot Meg -- and why. "We're looking for anyone who might recognize this dog or knows where she lives, or knows who was last seen with her, or knows who shot her," Smith said.

Meg was found in a very rural area of York Township, not far from Hess Farm Road and just north of the North Hopewell Township border, she said. Meg is primarily black with a few white markings, including a blaze on her forehead. She's about 5 years old and was wearing a red collar with no tags, Smith said. She's smaller than a full-bred Lab, and fully socialized.

"That makes me conclude she was someone's pet and was cared for at some time," Smith said. "She's the happiest dog -- just adorable."

Recovery: If Meg recovers, she'll need a new home, Smith said. "She's having some health issues, mainly sinus issues," she said, related to the wound. "She's wheezing, and she's not eating very well."  If the SPCA can determine who shot Meg, animal cruelty charges could be filed, Smith said.  "Unfortunately, we live in a society where some people think it's acceptable to simply shoot their animal if they no longer want the animal," she said.

Anyone with information about Meg is asked to call the SPCA at 764-6109.

Abandoned in Dumpster This little puppy was found abandoned in a dumpster in Dover. A good citizen heard suspicious noises in a dumpster and investigated. Wrapped inside a plastic bag, discarded in the dumpster, with outdoor temperatures in the 20’s, this puppy did not have a bright future. Thankfully, we have a good story to tell. A call to 911 resulted in notification to the animal control officer in Dover. The animal Control Officer brought the puppy to the SPCA early Saturday morning where he appeared in good conditions despite his brush with abandonment. A family found the puppy on the very same Saturday and requested adoption. PA Dog Law, however, requires us to hold “stray” animals for 48 hours so our adopters were required to wait 2 days before they could take their new puppy home.