Put an end to animal cruelty

By Jerry Buckley

Within three weeks of starting as chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania SPCA, I was deeply involved in the tragic cases of Hercules and Chloe, dogs who were set on fire and severely burned.

When Hercules was found in North Philadelphia, the pit bull puppy was more flesh than fur, suffering from burns covering more than 75 percent of his body. Chloe died after being doused with accelerant and set aflame. This heartbreaking on-the-job training showed me exactly what I would need to know to help the countless vulnerable and voiceless animals entrusted to our care.

The level of horrendous animal abuse in our region and state astounds and saddens me. In my first year as CEO, we have investigated nearly 12,000 cases of animal cruelty and neglect across much of the commonwealth, but largely right here in the Philadelphia community.

Animal cruelty is a substantial civic problem that deserves our utmost attention. Humans who are capable of animal cruelty are often capable of violence toward anyone in their communities. Dogfighting rings not only inflict anguish on the animal victims involved, but also set the stage for related criminal activity and violence in neighborhoods.

The Pennsylvania SPCA will proudly continue its storied legacy of providing humane law enforcement - independent of any government funding - as an effective method to intervene in cases of animal abuse. We do it here in Philadelphia, as well as 16 other counties, every day. A few weeks ago, we announced the expansion of our services to Lancaster County, where many animals suffer in commercial breeding operations, also called "puppy mills." In this initiative, and in many others, we will partner with other animal-welfare agencies and law enforcement.

However, we'd much prefer to spend our donors' money on preventing abuse and changing the way animals are treated in Philadelphia, Lancaster, and across the state. We must teach the youngest among us that animal abuse is a vile offense, and that those who engage in harming animals are worthy of shame and ostracism. We also must keep law enforcement and legal professionals tuned in to the prevalence of this issue.

At a rally for Hercules and Chloe, the Pennsylvania SPCA announced the Fund for Humane Education, which will allow us to expand educational programs for middle and high school students, as well as incorporate new programs in coordination with schools, camps, and other organizations. This fall, we will pilot a program with Drexel University's Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, as part of a holistic effort by Drexel and its partners to lift up the Mantua and Powelton Village neighborhoods. Improved animal welfare is part of this broader vision.

Aided by animal lovers in the Philadelphia area and across Pennsylvania, there is no reason why we cannot dramatically reduce the rampant abuse of animals and lessen the suffering. I urge people to get involved and join us in proudly proclaiming that they are animal advocates.

One thing I've learned in my first year with the Pennsylvania SPCA is that there is so much to teach, and we cannot teach alone. We must come together, educate our peers, be a voice for animals, and ultimately build stronger, healthier, and happier communities. For Hercules, Chloe, and all the animals I've met this past year, there has to be a better way.