Delco SPCA. What's humane?

Good afternoon,

I'm hoping to inform people of a very sad story. The Delco SPCA has taken the dog I adopted from them and will not give him back. Anyone who's read "Marley and Me" knows young labs can be a handful, yet they don't seem to understand at the SPCA. He may get killed by them so that they can make a point!

There were mistakes made on both sides regarding paperwork, etc., which I can outline below, but the point is Murphy is a wonderful dog who is very attached me and had a great life and home. With all the abuses of animals, I cannot understand why the SPCA thinks it makes sense to take a dog from a good environment. It's bad for the dog's separation anxiety and adds risk.

My family and I are devastated. Friends have been writing letters, the vet has been speaking out on our behalf, and the SPCA and Animal Control have been stoic and silent. I'm extremely concerned for the wellbeing of Murphy. Would they put him down just to prove a point? They've given us no way to plead our case.

I was informed by the SPCA, Friday, August 17, 2007, that Murphy would not be returned to me due to violations of the quarantine and contract.

I sent pictures of the sprained ankle and knee injuries I retained the last night trying to hold him on the lead when another dog came by, because he was on quarantine. Murphy's a young lab, 10 months and "a runner". Once out, he takes off. This is not the sign of a negligent owner, just a spirited dog.

I had made an appointment with Old Marple Veterinary for the next day at 9:15 AM to keep up with what I needed to do for the state mandated quarantine. I also had an appointment for pre-blood work for Murphy's neutering at Society Hill Veterinary on Sept. 1, which I had signed a contract for.

The neutering itself was to take place in 30 days per the contract, but Society Hill Veternary was not accustomed to the Delco SPCA regulations, so the immediacy was not impactful. Though, I was trying to keep up with all the rules. Also, the SPCA only called Old Marple and did not see a neutering appointment, so they deemed me negligent with no recourse to plead my case.
The SPCA did not get the dog chipped correctly on the initial visit. They had lost my records of adoption as well. So, there were mistakes on all sides.

We've written letters to both Animal Control and the SPCA. Any help in terms of an article, call or investigation would be wonderful/
Below is one of the many letters written.

Dear Mr. Schlott,

I am writing on behalf of Nicole and Murphy. I understand that Murphy will not be returned to Nicole. This saddens me greatly. Murphy is a great addition to Ms. XXXXX and her family. I have witnessed the interaction between dog and owner and can say with confidence that she is a great owner. Murphy is definitely a spirited, young dog. Nicole has gone to great lengths to keep him contained and safe. He is still a young pup that can be hard to handle at times. She has been working with a trainer, has tried to burn his energy by taking long walks, and has gone to great lengths to meet all obligations set by the contract. Even when Nicole had to take time off of work to meet the conditions set by the SPCA to keep Murphy after running into to recent problems, she didn't hesitate. I myself am an animal lover and know how hard it must be to find a good, loving home for animals. She is a great owner. She loves Murphy and he certainly loves her - both have become attached to each other.

I realize that you have a job to do, and you may see this recent decision as being in the best interest of the dog. But I KNOW that the best interest of the dog is to keep him with Nicole and her family. You couldn't find a better match. I truly hope that you can find a way to give Nicole and Murphy another chance.

Thank you,
kristen

Here are the addresses and phone numbers for Animal Control and the SPCA.

The Delaware County SPCA
555 Sandy Bank Road
Media, Pennsylvania 19063

(610) 566-1370, ext. 210.

Municipal Animal Control
Dave Schlott
3551 Edgewater Ln.
Brookhaven, PA 19015

610-872-6942

Please help us get Murphy back.

Thank you,