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Protecting The Voiceless In Our Community

Animal Welfare

Rescue and Support for Animal Victims of Cruelty and Neglect

Our Commitment To Animal Welfare

At the York County SPCA, we are proud to serve as the authority on animal welfare in our community.

We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for animal cruelty or neglect. The York County SPCA employs York County’s only humane society police officer (HSPO). This officer investigates reported crimes against animals and, if necessary, works with local officials to prosecute animal cruelty offenders. If you suspect animal cruelty and neglect, submit a report below to the York County Humane Society police officer.

2023 Impact

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animal cruelty / neglect offenders convicted

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animal cruelty / neglect cases investigated

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Welfare Checks Performed

Report Cruelty

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

A person commits an offense if the person fails to provide for the basic needs of each animal to which the person has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, including any of the following:
  1. Necessary sustenance and potable water.
  2. 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.
  3. Necessary veterinary care.

How to Report Animal Welfare Issues

ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS

The York County SPCA’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:

Cruelty & Neglect

If you suspect animal cruelty and neglect, submit a report below to the York County Humane Society police officer.
Report Cruelty

Stray Cats

Did you find a stray cat or kitten? Before you bring an animal to the shelter, please review our Shelter Admissions Policy to learn more about when and how we can accept pets into our care.
Learn More

Stray Dogs

Did you find a stray dog? Review our Stray Canine Intake Policy for a list of animal control officers who transport stray dogs to the York County SPCA, ensuring a safer and more reliable animal intake process.
Learn More

Municipalities without An ACO

If you find a stray dog in a municipality not covered by an animal control officer and/or need to report a concern regarding dog kennel issues, rabies vaccine enforcement, dog licensing enforcement, or dog sanitation issues, contact the State Dog Warden, William Clark.
Contact

Animal Noise Issues

For animal noise or nuisance issues, contact the municipality where you live.
Contact

York County's Humane Society Police Officer

Meet Officer Cruz

Officer Otoniel “Otto” Cruz, York County’s dedicated Humane Society Police Officer, has been protecting animals and supporting the community since 2019.
Learn more about Otto’s invaluable role in responding to animal cruelty, providing outreach, and ensuring safety for all animals in York County.
Meet Officer Cruz

Save a Life by Reporting Cruelty or Neglect

Animal Cruelty Report Form

To report cruelty or neglect against animals, please complete the form below. 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.

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Do you believe every animal deserves a second chance?

Be a beacon of hope for animals who need it the most.
Your support to the Second Chance Fund covers the extraordinary expenses of lifesaving medical care. But most importantly, your donation brings hope for a brighter tomorrow for animals in need of protection, compassion, and a safe space to heal.
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The York County SPCA is dedicated to providing long-term human and animal services to residents of York County through programs that find permanent, loving homes for displaced and stray animals, help control animal population growth, investigate and prosecute cruelty offenders, and educate the general public about animal wellness and safety.
Professional photos provided by The York Dispatch and Tetra Creative Studio.
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Brougher Companion Animal Shelter

Hours

Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM, Tuesday – Thursday 10 AM – 2 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM
Sunday – Saturday 8 AM – 4:30 PM
by appointment

Spay/Neuter Clinic

Hours

Monday – Friday 7 AM – 4 PM

TNR Walk-ins Monday – Thursday

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Meet Officer Cruz

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.