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Monroe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Monroe SPCA) is a private, nonprofit animal welfare and protection organization incorporated in the State of Michigan in 2010. We are also a grassroots organization, having an established membership society with enrollment open to anyone interested in animal welfare. Our Board of Directors is comprised of members who served previously on the Board of Directors and as managers, staff, and volunteers for the Humane Society of Monroe County (HSMC), as well as members who served previously on the Board of Directors and as members of Animal Welfare Alliance of Monroe County (AWA).
Monroe SPCA envisions a humane and no-kill community where people treat each other and animals with kindness, respect, and empathy.
Monroe SPCA’s mission is to save, protect, and improve the lives of animals in Monroe County.
In fulfilling our mission we intend to be a leader in promoting humane values, preventing cruelty to animals, ending animal homelessness, and providing protection to and responsible placement of animals entrusted to the care of humans.
Monroe SPCA’s founding principles are grounded in our belief that animals are entitled to humane treatment by humans. This belief, supported by Michigan laws, means this standard should not be left to or directed by individual human beliefs, impulses, or whims. Humane treatment is an entitlement that is secured and must be afforded animals under the law. Monroe SPCA’s primary efforts will be directed toward ensuring this minimal and most basic standard of care is provided to animals in Monroe County as well as improving animal welfare conditions throughout Monroe County.
Monroe SPCA works to create harmonious relationships between humans and animals through education, support, advocacy, and intervention. To this end we will develop, use, promote, support, and share programs and policies which alleviate the pain, fear, and suffering of animals. We will provide for, improve, and ensure the welfare of animals by assisting, training, educating, and guiding those charged with their care as owners, guardians, shelters, control and impoundment facilities, law enforcement and government officials, officers, agencies, and organizations, and other animal welfare organizations and groups.
During 2011 Monroe SPCA will initiate and promote programs which increase awareness about humane and responsible solutions to pet overpopulation, homelessness, and sheltering. Our initial education and outreach programs will focus on establishing humane value standards for displaced animals and raising awareness, dispelling myths, and elevating the status of free-roaming and feral cats and colonies, as well as Pit bull and Pit bull-type dogs. Throughout 2012 and 2013 we will increase support services and expand education and outreach programs to include animal behavior and training programs, foster care, medical treatment, and adoption services.
Monroe SPCA has already put programs in place for a community lost and found program to reunite lost animals with their owners/guardians and to collect and distribute donations to animals impounded at Monroe County Animal Control (MCAC). We are also in the final stages of establishing a community volunteer program and an emergency medical fund called the Hope Fund. Displaced and impounded animals who are sick, injured, and/or victims of cruelty, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation and need immediate intervention will be the recipients of this fund.
Because applying and enforcing the law to protect and save animals’ lives, prevent and address animal cruelty, and prosecute animal cruelty crimes is a necessary first step in making positive and lasting changes for animals in Monroe County, we have established a Field Investigations and Response Team. Members who serve on this team are required to complete extensive training and become qualified Animal Control Officers in the State of Michigan. Monroe SPCA will put humane law enforcement officers and cruelty investigators in the field to conduct cruelty and rescue operations in Monroe County in 2012.
Monroe SPCA will host and sponsor programs, projects, and events that help to secure resources and funds which serve the immediate and long-term needs of animals in Monroe County and help us to fulfill our mission. We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive funding from the ASPCA or any other humane organization. We rely on the support and generosity of individuals and businesses in our community to help animals. We are currently in the process of applying for 501c.3 federal tax exempt status and will increase our operational and donor programs to reflect this status as soon as we receive it.
Monroe SPCA works with and supports animal welfare organizations and reputable animal rescue groups throughout Michigan and Northwest Ohio, including the Buster Foundation Pit Bull Education and Rescue and Monroe Pet Food Bank. Because needed change for displaced animals in Monroe County continues to be prevented and animals continue to suffer, largely as a result of serious problems plaguing Monroe County’s two licensed animal shelters, Monroe County Animal Control and the Humane Society of Monroe County, resolving them is at the top of Monroe SPCA’s priority list. Monroe SPCA therefore intends to work with and promote the working together of all animal welfare and related organizations and agencies in Monroe County for the purposes of making positive changes for animals and their care providers throughout Monroe County. We also intend to increase, promote, and ensure necessary accountability and transparency for the same purposes.
As a community organization based in and for Monroe County, we think it not only makes sense to have solid working relationships with Monroe County officials, agencies, organizations, and businesses that are open and transparent, but that it is also expected of us to do so. In this spirit, we intend to pursue, establish, and build professional relationships with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Animal Control, the Monroe County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and the Humane Society of Monroe County, in addition to working with and supporting any other individual, group, or entity interested in improving animal welfare in Monroe County. |
