As 2006 ends, we look back at the year and the work that the Suffolk County SPCA has accomplished. Our agents investigated more than 1,200 abuse, neglect and cruelty charges.... dogs, cats, birds, lizards, farm animals, snakes, rabbits, swans, ducks.... We have saved many an animal who would otherwise have died without our intervention. Our MASH Unit was called to action to help at the Masters Golf Tournament, and was ready to deploy should any disaster hit the area. Again, our volunteers were ready for any call needing our services. We need your help to continue our work! We rely entirely on donations from the public, as we are not funded by the County, State or any other organizations. Your gifts to us keep us working, which in turn helps us to keep so many animals safe and protected from abuse. Please consider an end-of-year donation to the Suffolk County SPCA. Your gift is tax deductible and will be used to continue our many programs. We wish you and your families and your pets a safe and healthy new year - Chief Roy Gross

The Suffolk County SPCA Humane Division had an active year, thanks to our dedicated volunteers. Highlights included many presentations at local schools, with demonstrations on caring for pets, animal safety and disaster preparedness. Many young students were enthusiastic about learning tips on caring for their pets and procedures to follow in case of emergencies. Our Spay/Neuter program successfully held multiple clinics in various towns throughout the County. Our MASH unit served as a mobile hospital to spay or neuter cats and dogs at a low cost to pet owners. Rabies clinics were held to inoculate cats and dogs, and more than 2,000 animals took advantage of our services. Humane Division Volunteers also provided informational services at local fairs, dog walks, and community events. Our sincere thanks to the many individuals who gave of their time to help the community..

We never know what we will find when entering a home! A neighbor became suspicious of activities, and contacted the Suffolk County SPCA. When agents arrived, they found a virtual zoo in the basement of the home. Suffolk County SPCA Agents were shocked to find eight alligators, a Nile crocodile, a Spectacled Caiman, 2 electric eels, a Burmese python, 7 Diamondback Terrapins, turtles, iguanas, emus, and other exotic animals in a local residence. Some of the alligators were in cages, one was found suspended from the ceiling. A tortoise was found in a bathtub in its own feces. The process of removing the reptiles was difficult, but a team of SPCA agents were able to safely and humanely remove them all. Because of the size and quantity of the animals, the SPCA MASH Unit was needed to transport them to a safe haven. The owner of this menagerie of animals was arrested for animal cruelty and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Our agents recently were involved in a story of true caring. We were informed about an 81 year old man whose dog had been hit by a car. The elderly gentleman did not have any money for veterinary care. The Suffolk County SPCA arranged for a local vet to provide free services and a local Animal Shelter provided transportation. The veterinarian also went back to the gentleman's home and provided free care to his other animals. We are thankful that these pets were so well cared for by the generosity of so many dedicated people.

As winter approaches, we offer you the following tips to keep your animals safe during the cold weather.

• Keep your pets indoors to prevent injury, frostbite and hypothermia. Be alert to frostbite signs: skin turning red, white gray or scaly.
• Keep your pets warm. Always keep beds slightly elevated and away from cold
• Keep ID tags on pets as more pets are lost in the winter than any other time of
• Always walk dogs on a leash, as they can become disoriented or lost.
• Be aware of sheltered cats and wildlife as outdoor cats and other animals will seek shelter beneath the hood of a car.
• Never leave pets in the car for any length of time.
• Be aware of exposure time. Dogs who are ill, very young or short haired cannot
• Keep your pets dry. Never take them out unless they are 100% dry. ? Have a clean up routine. Keep a towel by the door to wipe wet feet.
• Road salt can irritate and burn as well as cause vomiting. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell and can be deadly to pets if ingested. Keep paws, belly and legs clean to avoid problems.
• Don't use metal dishes outside. Tongues can stick to frozen bowls.

The Suffolk County SPCA is a local, independent not- for-profit organization that has been servicing the humane needs, requirements, and enforcement of cruelty laws for Suffolk County, New York animals for over 20 years - NY State Law provides that there is to be but one SPCA per county in the State - the Suffolk County SPCA is in no way affiliated with, a subdivision of or funded by any other local, state or national organization. We need YOUR Help! Please support the Suffolk County SPCA