Protecting The Voiceless In Our Community
Animal Welfare
Rescue and Support for Animal Victims of Cruelty and Neglect
Our Commitment To Animal Welfare
2024 Impact
animal cruelty / neglect convictions
animal cruelty / neglect cases investigated
Welfare Checks Performed
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
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.
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/or neglect, please contact your local police department or call 911.
Stray Cats
Stray Dogs
Municipalities without An ACO
Animal Noise Issues
How To Report Cruelty or Neglect
contact your local police department
The York County SPCA does not currently have a humane society police officer (HSPO) on staff. To report suspected animal cruelty or neglect, contact your local police department or call 911.
The latest news
Stories of Resilience
- Kristen Dempwolf
The York County SPCA is thrilled to welcome Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL), a nationally acclaimed nonprofit organization, to conduct an in-depth, multi-day training for staff and volunteers on canine...
- York County SPCA
After four years of litigation, Michelle Baldwin, a former West Manheim Township resident, was convicted on Monday, December 9, for animal cruelty, neglect, and aggravated assault. Her sentencing marks the...
- York County SPCA
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an important reminder for pet owners to make sure their furry friends’ vaccines are up to date! Awareness of and updating a pet’s immunization status...
- York County SPCA
As we step into August, we recognize National Make a Will Month, a time dedicated to planning for the future and ensuring that our loved ones and cherished causes are cared for....
- York County SPCA
Last year in 2023 alone, our Humane Society Police Officer, Otto Cruz, completed 312 cruelty/neglect investigations. This number has been on the rise with each passing year which means more animals are...
- York County SPCA
Marrah, a black and white Pit Bull mix, has quite the story of resilience to tell. When we intake stray animals, we can never know what has led them to us...