By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — The SPCA in Cattaraugus County is looking for a modest $22,000 increase in its 2025 contract with Cattaraugus County, a spokesman told county lawmakers Wednesday.
Colleen Andhor said the SPCA was seeking $175,000 from the county in its 2025 budget. The increase will go toward the cost of a minimum wage increase and increased costs of animal care.
Andhor cited a May rescue of about 80 cats from a home in Olean, which cost the SPCA about $20,000. The group did not receive any reimbursement from the city, she added.
The SPCA took in 350 cats and kittens from the community between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, Andhor said. So far this year there have been 215 cat adoptions and 40 dogs and puppies. The current population at the shelter is 27 dogs and 115 cats, with 36 animals in foster homes.
She explained the recent $1.5 million donation from Thomas Golisano to the SPCA will be received in annual payments of $375,000 over four years. “We want to be smart and be good stewards” of the grant,” she said.
SPCA officials hope to be able to hire veterinarians and fill in gaps where necessary with some of the Golisano money.
“It is still imperative that we get donations” from the public and agencies, Anchor said. “It is a misconception” that local financial support is not as important now due to the Golisano gift.
The SPCA’s annual budget is $700,000, she said. Much of that comes from donations from the public and businesses as well as numerous fundraisers the group holds each year.
With new state requirements for kennels, the SPCA in Cattaraugus County is eyeing a multi-million renovation and expansion of the shelter on Route 16, Andhor said. The group will be looking for grants for much of that project.
Legislator Ginger Schroder, R-Farmersville thanked the SPCA for its collaborative efforts in local animal rescues and the seizure of animals that are victims of neglect or abuse.
Schroder said she wrote amendments to the county’s 2021 Animal Abuser Registry local law to address issues that have come up. The biggest changes include:
- A conviction would bar an animal abuser from ever owning animals again in this county.
- A requirement to notify local residents of a conviction of animal cruelty — so they could notify law enforcement if the person had more animals in the future.
- Increasing the fine for failing to register as an animal abuser after a conviction.
IN OTHER NEWS, county lawmakers were unanimous in voting to re-appoint Democratic Election Commissioner Kevin Burleson to a four-year term.
Legislature Vice Chairman Michael Brisky, R-Franklinville, asked Burleson if he had noticed all 15 county legislators — all Republican — were cosponsors of his appointment. Brisky, a former Republican election commissioner, served for several years with Burleson.
Burleson thanked the lawmakers for his reappointment and told them that 2025 will be his 20th year in the position. “I’m ready to continue serving, he added.
