Altmann Instrumental in Securing Additional Funding for the Nassau SPCA

It was Nassau County Legislator Lisanne Altmann’s (D-Great Neck) passion for animals that sparked her efforts to secure $100,000 in additional funding in the 2008 Nassau County budget for the Nassau County SPCA for a variety of programs, including education and the investigation of animal cruelty complaints. The amendment was also supported by her Majority colleagues.

“It is our duty as compassionate and caring human beings to protect defenseless animals and to make sure that anyone who mistreats them are prosecuted to the full extent of the laws,” said Altmann. “This additional funding for the SPCA will go a long way in reaching these goals.”

In 2007 alone, the NCSPCA has received 925 calls for alleged abuse, conducted 800 investigations, uncovered 266 cases of animal cruelty. Peace officers have issued 12 desk appearance tickets and made seven arrests, and rescued 15 dogs and 29 cats from unsuitable homes.

The NCSPCA is dedicated to the welfare and protection of animals in Nassau County from abuse and neglect. As part of its activities, the NCSPCA encourages and facilitates spay and neuter programs to reduce the population of unwanted animals, provides a continuing educational program to help people understand the needs of their animals so they are better able to care for them and keep them healthy, and makes presentations to children at schools, scout programs and other groups.

NCSPCA currently has 20 members, all volunteers, 10 of who are peace officers. The peace officers, all former law enforcement officials, have the following duties:

?go after individuals who are abusing or mistreating their animals;

?respond to calls regarding animal cruelty and neglect

?investigate the circumstances

?attempt to resolve the situation in the best interests of the animals involved.

The NCSPCA is the only organization in Nassau County, other than the police department, authorized to enforce NYS animal cruelty laws.