Please join us for the 16th Annual Paws in the Park Petwalk, Saturday, October 2, 2010, 11:00am - 3:00pm at Bowdoin Park, Poughkeepsie See what's new this year, register, and start collecting pledges! Bring your favorite dogs and family and friends. Have fun, and raise funds to help the homeless animals at the Dutchess County SPCA.

Dear Friends:

I wonder if you have seen the horrific story widely circulating on the Internet that involves a woman in England caught on videotape cruelly dumping a cat in a trashcan. It is difficult to comprehend why someone would intentionally harm an innocent animal. Studies show that abuse is often an issue of power. A person may choose to harm an animal because animals are helpless and voiceless, and because they think they can get away with it. It is up to each of us as individuals to be the voice for the helpless animals, and to report suspected abuse and neglect.

The DCSPCA operates Dutchess County’s only Humane Law Enforcement Division, which is responsible for enforcing laws against acts of animal cruelty throughout the county. It offers educational programs that stress early intervention in cases of cruelty and provides a separate program for offenders, essential tools for preventing acts of cruelty to animals and teaching respect for all forms of life.

To report animal cruelty in Dutchess County, contact the DCSPCA Humane Law Office at 452-7722 x 4, or email at dcspcahleo@optonline.net.

Sincerely,
Joyce Garrity

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of the DCSPCA to rescue and provide temporary humane shelter for the abandoned, neglected and abused companion animals of the Dutchess County community. Central to our mission is the securing of caring, responsible, permanent homes for the adoptable animals in our care.

We shall provide humane law enforcement throughout Dutchess County, and by example and through education, we shall promote and advance responsible, humane companion animal guardianship.

--Adopted by the Board of Directors January 4th, 2001

Once again, The Dutchess County SPCA has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator
We are pleased to share that for the third year in a row, the DCSPCA has earned the highest rating for sound fiscal management. In their letter, Charity Navigator stated, “Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce Dutchess County SPCA has earned our third consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 14% of the charities we rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Dutchess County SPCA consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Dutchess County SPCA from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” — Ken Berger President & Chief Executive Officer, Charity Navigator