Seger Park Dog Owners Association

Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSCPA) will launch its new statewide toll-free animal before its scheduled February 1 kickoff, announced PSPCA CEO Howard R. Nelson. The hotline, 1-866-601-SPCA (1-866-601-7722), will be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning January 30.Ashley Hellinger

“Animal abuse is rampant throughout Pennsylvania. We hear of dog fighting rings, dog hangings and hording in Philadelphia, but across the state, our agents receive reports such as livestock being kept in unsanitary conditions, animals not being given proper veterinary care and dogs being unlawfully tethered,” said Nelson. “Animal cruelty is not just a city issue. Our hotline will allow all Pennsylvanians to help more animals in need around the clock.”

The hotline — believed to be the nation’s first 24/7 animal cruelty line with live operators — will be answered by trained PSPCA staff members and operators. Callers can remain anonymous and PSPCA agents will be dispatched immediately, if the situation warrants. “If a call is received for an area outside of the PSPCA’s jurisdiction, we will take the information and forward it to the proper authorities,” said Nelson.

The PSPCA’s 14 humane officers can enforce the state’s cruelty laws. “In 2007, we received 8,000 abuse calls,” said Nelson. “With the new hotline, we expect that number to increase dramatically.”

To launch 1-866-601-SPCA, Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Second Baseman Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer — a PSPCA Board member — recorded a public service announcement that is now airing on television stations across the state. Appearing with the Utleys is Etana the dog, a PSPCA success story.

“We couldn’t ask for better teammates in our fight against animal abuse than the Utleys,” said Nelson. “They love animals and have been ardent supporters of our mission. When Etana was brought to our Philadelphia branch last year after having been beaten and burned, we weren’t sure if she was going to survive. But the Utleys volunteered to pay for her extensive medical care. Etana made a complete recovery and is now living with her new forever family.”

In addition to the hotline, the public can also report suspected animal abuse and neglect cases by emailing cruelty@pspca.org. For more information, visit www.pspca.org.

The Pennsylvania SPCA is dedicated to rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, providing lifesaving care and treatment, guaranteeing a home for every adoptable animal, and reducing pet-overpopulation through low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics and public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, we prevent cruelty towards animals and promote respect for their welfare, thus enhancing the lives of people and their companion animals throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PSPCA has satellite shelters in Wellsboro, Centre Hall, Danville, Stroudsburg and Montrose. The Philadelphia branch houses a full-service animal hospital, obedience training academy, adoption facility and the PSPCA Law Enforcement Department, which is responsible for enforcing Philadelphia and Pennsylvania animal cruelty laws. For more information, call 215-426-6300 or visit www.pspca.org.