A growing dispute between two Central Pennsylvania animal shelters has come to light, with the Adams County SPCA and the York County SPCA clashing over policies regarding the intake of stray dogs.
On Wednesday, the Adams County SPCA announced it will no longer accept stray dogs unless the person dropping the animal off is an Adams County resident. The change, effective July 9, comes in response to a policy enacted by the York County SPCA more than a year ago, which limits stray dog intake to animals brought in by police, animal control officers, or state dog wardens from contracted municipalities.
Adams County officials say York’s policy has caused a sharp rise in strays at their shelter—up 21% over the past year—as people from York County reportedly bring in dogs and claim they were found in Adams County. In one recent six-day period, five strays allegedly came from York County despite claims otherwise. Adams County staff say the misrepresentations delay reunification efforts and strain local resources.
In its public post, the Adams County SPCA criticized York’s policy as irresponsible and accused the organization of shifting its burden to neighboring shelters. It also made a series of personal allegations against York SPCA’s executive director, which York County officials called false and unprofessional.
In a response issued Thursday, the York County SPCA defended its existing intake system as consistent with national best practices and focused on lawful, documented shelter admissions. York officials acknowledged the challenges facing both shelters—including rising stray populations and funding shortfalls—but urged a collaborative approach rather than public attacks.
Adams County has since clarified that its statements were intended to inform the public, not discourage support for the York shelter or its staff. However, the organization says its new ID policy is necessary to ensure its limited resources serve local animals first.
Source: Fox43