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SPCA of Texas statement re: ABC's "20/20" Report

The SPCA of Texas cooperated fully with 20/20 on its “Animal Rescuers or Thieves?” broadcast (6/3/05) in hopes that puppy mill breeders, animal collectors and others who exploit, neglect and abuse animals would be exposed. We expected that the information we provided would be part of a fair, accurate and balanced segment. Unfortunately, this was not the case, as many of the statements related in the story were false.

The SPCA of Texas stands by its mission, policies and procedures, as well as its rescue and investigative work, and will continue to fight animal cruelty in all its forms. Furthermore, the SPCA of Texas stands by its efforts in assisting the state of Texas in prosecuting perpetrators of animal cruelty.

In accordance with its mission to protect animals, the SPCA of Texas also investigates animal cruelty cases at the request of individuals and law enforcement agencies. In doing so, it provides a service to the state and serves as a resource for other agencies that need assistance.

The SPCA of Texas only receives animals through voluntary surrender or termination of ownership by statute or court order.

The SPCA of Texas dedicates every ounce of its effort and limited resources to combat animal cruelty and the problem of pet overpopulation. As always, the SPCA of Texas appreciates its many donors, volunteers and staff and looks forward to their continued support.

SPCA of Texas Facts

The SPCA of Texas, headquartered in Dallas, is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1938.

The SPCA of Texas is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of all animals.

The SPCA of Texas is not a branch or affiliate of the ASPCA. SPCA facilities and humane groups across the U.S. are independent and not related. The SPCA of Texas operates three shelters in north Texas, located in Dallas, McKinney and The Colony.

Most of the 31,000 animals received by the SPCA of Texas each year are cats and dogs. However, the SPCA of Texas accepts all types of animals or contacts the appropriate agencies for assistance.

The SPCA of Texas does not receive funds or taxes from the city of Dallas, state or federal government, United Way or other national humane organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the American Humane Association (AHA). The SPCA of Texas relies on private donations from individuals and business to operate.

In compliance with state regulations, the SPCA of Texas employs veterinary technicians to perform basic procedures on incoming animals, including shots, fecals, bloodwork, etc. Veterinarians routinely check all shelter animals, including rescued animals, and the SPCA of Texas employs veterinarians who spay and neuter all animals prior to adoption.
SPCA of Texas Rescue & Investigations Facts

One of the SPCA of Texas’ goals is to provide care for cruelly-treated animals. The SPCA of Texas only receives animals either through voluntary surrender or termination of ownership by statute or court order. The SPCA of Texas does not determine whether an owner cruelly treats his or her animals, only a court of law is charged with that determination.

The SPCA of Texas investigates animal cruelty cases at the request of individuals and law enforcement agencies. In doing so, it provides a service to the state and serves as a resource for other agencies that need assistance.

The SPCA of Texas investigates all cruelty complaints it receives. Of these, only an estimated five percent have sufficient evidence, in the SPCA of Texas’ opinion, to forward to law enforcement officials for further action at their discretion.

The SPCA of Texas' focus is on cruel treatment of animals, as defined by Texas law, regardless of the number of animals someone owns.

In 2004, the SPCA of Texas Rescue and Investigations department received 9,826 calls and e-mails regarding investigations. In compliance with local law enforcement officials, we relieved 1,098 animals from cruel living conditions as defined by section 821.021 of the Texas Health and Safety Statute or section 42.09 of the Texas Penal Code. SPCA of Texas investigators logged 51,241 miles through 11 counties. To date in 2005, SPCA of Texas investigators have received an average of 250 calls and e-mails per week, a 32 percent increase over last year.

Of the 2,308 investigations the SPCA of Texas conducted in 2004. Thirteen of these cases resulted in civil hearings and 11 cases resulted criminal proceedings. Of the 11,507 animals, a total of 1,098 animals—or 9 percent--were removed by court order.

The SPCA of Texas only acts at the court's direction to house and care for animals during the time of their impoundment. Only law enforcement agencies obtain and serve the warrants. Upon request, the SPCA of Texas will assist law enforcement officials in rescuing and impounding animals.

SPCA of Texas cruelty case investigations are handled as follows:
1. The SPCA receives a complaint;
2. The SPCA sends an investigator to gather information;
3. If the investigator finds sufficient evidence of cruel treatment, law enforcement agencies are contacted. If not, the case is closed;
4. Law enforcement agency investigates and presents evidence to judge;
5. Judge signs a warrant;
6. Law enforcement team serves warrant;
7. If directed by the court, SPCA investigators collect animals under law enforcement team's supervision;
8. Court sets a hearing date;
9. The State of Texas prosecutes the case at a hearing. The State may call SPCA officers and/or law enforcement agencies as fact and/or expert witnesses in court;
10. Court reaches a verdict and renders a decision regarding the animals’ disposition which might include transfer of ownership to the SPCA of Texas, among other alternatives.

A civil hearing does not adjudicate guilt or innocence, but rather, disposition of animals and if there was a violation of the health and safety code. The case is brought forth to a judge by law enforcement officers. District and county attorneys represent law enforcement at the hearing. Criminal cases are entirely up to district attorneys to file if they believe the violation warrants criminal charges.

The SPCA's requested reimbursement for the costs of boarding animals seized in a rescue and investigations case is $10 per day per animal, about half the average cost to board a pet in the Dallas area. This requested reimbursement does not include any of the costs incurred solely by the SPCA of Texas for investigation, assisting law enforcement for actual seizure of the animals, animal transport or testimony at the hearing.

Rescue costs and adoption fees also do not include pre-adoption services the SPCA provides, such as initial vaccinations (FVRCP cats/DHLPP dogs), de-worming, spay or neuter, health/behavior exam, nail trim, microchip, canine bordatella vaccine, Rabies vaccine, heartworm test-dogs, FeLV/FIV test-cats, food, supplies (cat litter, paper towels, cleaning supplies), and daily care from staff and volunteers. Nor do they cover post-adoption benefits, which include an informational CD for pet owners, pet health insurance for 30 days, free vet exam within 10 days of adoption, antibiotics within 10 days if necessary, a bag of food, and a cat carrier or temporary dog leash. All told, these services cost the SPCA of Texas between $339 and $585 per animal depending on age, size and species, and would be much higher if a pet owner were to use private clinic.

The SPCA of Texas stands by its mission, goals, policies and procedures, as well as our investigative and rescue work, and will continue to fight animal cruelty in all its forms.

We will be addressing specifics from the broadcast over the next few days. Please check our site daily for updates.