Poaching Is Bad For Elephants And SPCAs

Did you know that your spcaLA created an at risk youth anti -violence program that is being used nationally in states like Oregon, Kansas, New York and Georgia, and internationally in Europe, Australia and Canada?  Piloted, and ongoing in Southern California schools, we work with youth, using shelter dogs, to teach them conflict resolution, anger management and empathy.  Empathy is the cure for violence against animals and people. It began here with your spcaLA.
Did you know that your spcaLA has a domestic violence program that assists victims who need to leave a violent situation, but won’t if they have to leave a pet behind? This program has assisted pets from as far away as Florida because no other spca has such a comprehensive program.  You have it here with your spcaLA.
Did you know that your spcaLA developed a comprehensive shelter management software program that is being used throughout our country and, just recently, at a shelter in Dublin Ireland?
Did you know that your spcaLA has a state of the art disaster response unit that responds locally to fires, (most recently the Station Fire-the largest fire in California) floods and earthquakes as well as nationally when requested.  We were one of only 8 first responders called upon to assist in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Ike and only one of 2 (the other was a Missouri SPCA unit) deployed to Galveston – the worst affected by the storm.
Did you know that every SPCA in the country is a separate legal entity despite confusing commercials and advertising campaigns? The New York spca was the first to form in America in 1866 and aptly named itself. Your spcaLA opened its doors in 1877. Throughout the country different spcas were allowed to form as the laws in each state so permitted. However, only one spca solicits donations away from all the others under the misimpression that they are an umbrella entity that sends funds to non existent chapters.  It is the same with any humane society not based in Los Angeles. Their funds are not mandated to support the animals in our community based upon the zip code of the donor.  Though there are now complaints, inquiries and investigations into the ethics of such fund raising tactics – the responsibility ultimately lies with you, the consumer/donor, to know where you are donating your hard earned money despite attempts to confuse you. spcaLA applauds work that is carried out on behalf of animals any where in the country and hopes that you can afford to donate to multiple organizations. Your choice must still be an informed one. 
Your spcaLA actually has a local, national and international footprint with boots on the ground serving animals that need us.  In these trying economic times it is particularly critical that we work together, and educate others who are confused about where their funds are going so we succeed in our mission.