Dutchess County SPCA Urges End-of-Year Donations

Actual Mother Cat and Kittens in Adoption Shelter

Photo: Getty Images

The Dutchess County SPCA in Hyde Park is calling for end-of-year donations to support its depleted Emergency Animal Care Fund. The organization has cared for nearly 4,000 animals in 2024 and is facing resource constraints. This appeal comes shortly after the discovery of a tub of kittens abandoned in the shelter's parking lot.

On Monday (December 9), staff found 11 kittens, aged eight weeks to one year, left in a plastic box with limited ventilation. Despite the cold temperatures, the kittens were in good health, suggesting they had been cared for in a home. The SPCA is reviewing surveillance footage to identify the person responsible for abandoning the kittens, an act considered a misdemeanor in New York state.

Lynn Meloccaro, executive director of the Dutchess County SPCA, emphasized that abandoning animals is unnecessary since the shelter does not charge a surrender fee. The kittens are receiving vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered before being available for adoption soon.

The SPCA currently cares for 97 cats and offers a low-cost spay-neuter clinic to help prevent unwanted litters. Meloccaro encourages those considering surrendering pets to call the shelter at 845-452-7722, extension 403, to schedule an appointment.

The organization hopes that the community will respond to their call for donations, ensuring they can continue to provide care for animals in need.


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