Watertown-- There is an overpopulation of animals in shelters, approximately 4 million cats and dogs. Every eight seconds a shelter animal is put down each year in the United States. With the influx of military families coming in and out of Watertown, New York- there might be an assumption that military families play a part in the amount of homeless animals dropped off at the Jefferson County, SPCA.
Father Doug Marlow- Angelican Priest and Executive Director of the Watertown, New York SPCA feels that whether an individual is military or civilian, a homeless pet is a result of a larger issue. In fact, Father Marlow feels that homeless animals are the consequence of individuals making hasty decisions, not realizing the amount of responsibility it takes to care for pets.
The Watertown, New York SPCA has strict rules regarding euthanasia, as the only animals that are “put down” are those that are very ill. The SPCA in Watertown, New York has a mission to care for all of their animals as best as they can and place their animals into good homes.
According to the ASPCA, there are signs one should recognize if an animal is being mistreated. Taken right from their article “How to recognize cruelty”, the ASPCA compiled a list of signs to look out for that may alert someone in determining if an animal needs help.
Physical Signs
- Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
- Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
- Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
- Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
- Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
- Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
- Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
- Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
- Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
- An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
- Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
Environmental Signs
- Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
- Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
- Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
- Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals
Before one is tempted to go out and spend a lot of money purchasing a new puppy or a kitten, there are many dogs and cats at the SPCA that need good homes. Currently, the SPCA has kittens available as well as adult cats. They have young adult and adult dogs for adoption as well.
The Jefferson County SPCA is located on 25056 Water Street, Watertown, NY 13601.
SPCA Hours:
Closed Mondays
Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am- 7 pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am- 4:30 pm
