SPCA Chapter Formed in East Texas

EAST TEXAS — A capital building fund has been launched to support the efforts of the recently established Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or SPCA of East Texas. Tyler attorney Deborah Tittle-Dobbs formed the non-profit SPCA of East Texas this year, to respond to and investigate animal cruelty and neglect as well as house rescued animals for adoption. Currently, neither the city of Tyler nor Smith County has a local facility to house stray or neglected dogs for any length of time. All lost dogs and strays from the city are transported by animal control to a shelter in Cherokee County. Euthanized animals must then be transported back to Tyler for disposal by animal control. On average 60-100 dogs from our community are euthanized each week because of the lack of a community shelter.

The SPCA of East Texas hopes to remedy thE situation and is seeking private donations to build a shelter in the Tyler area. You can mail your donation to the SPCA, P.O. Box 2026, Tyler, TX, 75710. Other programs will include humane education in schools, spay/neuter awareness and pet overpopulation, “Critter Camp” a children’s day camp and a community event center for animal organizations and public events.

Additionally, the first SPCA cruelty investigator has been hired with Smith County District Attorney drug seizure funds. Former Tyler police officer, Roy Linn will investigate calls received through the SPCA hotline at 903-596-SPCA.