Jan 13, 2009 11:13 pm US/Eastern
Activists Accuse Cecil Co. SPCA Of Animal Cruelty
CECIL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
There are disturbing accusations of animal cruelty and neglect against a place that is supposed to be a haven for homeless animals. In fact, the accusations against the Cecil County SPCA are so troubling, they're causing a flood of outrage.
Kelly McPherson has a response from the SPCA and the demand for answers from the public.
This is the climax of months of angry story-swapping about animal abuse in Cecil County. Some say the SPCA shot, strangled or neglected animals.
"I opened the door and heard horrible screaming and crying. I knew instantly it was my dog. It was Molly," said Jennifer Snellings-Barber.
Allegations have merged into one plea for the county commissioners to cut off funding to the agency.
State Delegate Michael Smigiel is spearheading the protest.
"These actions amount to slaughter and it's just horrible. It's got to be put to an end. I'm hoping commissioners step in and say we're going to do something about it," he said.
Dozens of people gathered for Tuesday night's meeting. Many of them have personal stories about family pets being killed or abused by the SPCA. That passion poured into the year's first budget hearing.
"Never did we expect our taxpayer dollars would subsidize the kind of activities that have been alleged to be taking place," said Cailey Locklair.
The SPCA Board President Nancy Schwerzler denies the allegations, saying in a statement, "Animals are treated according to state and federal law."
She says workers never euthanized animals by shooting them, as alleged and she calls Senator Smigiel's involvement "his usual games."
"I have sworn affidavits from people who used to work there, who was the #2 in charge, of absolutely horrible stories of what's taking place," Smigiel said.
"I was told by an employee there, `We could have done much, much more to save your dog, the staff here.' But they neglected to do that," Snellings-Barber said.
There was no decision on funding Tuesday night or promise that it would be affected.
The Cecil County SPCA says it is open to an independent investigation by the state attorney general's office.
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