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Animal Welfare
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2023 Impact
animal cruelty / neglect cases investigated
welfare checks performed
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What Is animal cruelty and neglect?
Animal cruelty is a crime in Pennsylvania as defined in the Statutes of Pennsylvania Title 18.
Cruelty is defined as
A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly ill-treats, overloads, beats, abandons, or abuses an animal.
Neglect is defined as
- Necessary sustenance and potable water.
- Access to clean and sanitary shelter and protection from the weather. The shelter must be sufficient to permit the animal to retain body heat and keep the animal dry.
- Necessary veterinary care.
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ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS
The YCSPCA’s humane society police officer’s sole responsibility is the enforcement of these statutes. Our humane officer spends hours daily in the field responding to reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment and assisting in other cases referred to us from other animal welfare or law enforcement agencies. Our humane society police officer is not an animal control officer and, therefore, cannot pick up or transport stray animals. This service is managed independently in each York County municipality.
The animal welfare world is nuanced and can sometimes confuse community members. Here is a simplified reference guide for the most common animal concerns In York County:
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If you suspect animal cruelty and neglect, submit a report below to the York County Humane Society police officer.
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If you find a stray cat or kitten…
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If you find a stray dog…
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If you find a stray dog in a municipality not covered by an animal control officer (ACO), for dog kennel issues, rabies vaccine enforcement, dog licensing enforcement, or dog sanitation issues, contact the State Dog Warden, William Clark, at 717-329-5106.
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For animal noise or nuisance issues, contact the municipality where you live.
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Meet York County's Humane Society Police Officer
Officer Otoniel “Otto” Cruz began his role at the York County SPCA in November 2019 as the Field Services Agent. After training to become a humane society police officer, Officer Cruz was sworn in as an HSPO in December 2020 and now serves as the humane society police officer for all of York County. Officer Cruz provides the York County community with invaluable animal welfare and community outreach services. He responds to reported crimes against animals, supports police in investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty offenders, and, when necessary, transports animals to the safety of the YCSPCA shelter.
Born in Bayaman, Puerto Rico, Officer Cruz became a police officer at 18. He served as an officer for ten years before moving to the States. Having lived in York for over a decade, Officer Cruz serves a crucial role in our community. He protects and gives voice to those who cannot speak. Additionally, Otto’s fluency in Spanish allows us to reach more members of the York County community meaningfully. Through his animal welfare and community outreach efforts, Otto is vital to the YCSPCA team and our community.
Save a Life by Reporting Cruelty or Neglect
Animal Cruelty Report Form
To report cruelty or neglect against animals, please complete this form. Officer Cruz will review the submission and be in touch if he has additional questions. A complete and accurate address is required for a welfare check to be performed.
Mission Moment
Happy Tails
Sugar was brought to the York County SPCA after her owner had passed away.
I fell in love with Sugar the first time I let her sleep in bed with me and Liz... our Christmas gifts to one another were adopting Sugar into our family. After only a few months of fostering, we knew she was already a part of it.
Schuyler
Sugar's Foster Parent & Adopter
