Chesco SPCA says changes saving animal lives

Less animals being surrendered, more adoptions WEST CHESTER  — The Chester County SPCA (CCSPCA) has announced that the shelter achieved a 90% live release rate during the month of November.  This is a particularly notable achievement because the CCSPCA is the only open admissions shelter for both Chester and Delaware Counties. This high live release rate is attributable to significant changes implemented...

West Brandywine dog-fighting kingpin sentenced

Judge orders 34-year-old to spend 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison Updated at 10:45 a.m. with quote from prosecutor By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Shane Santiago, 34, of West Brandywine Township, was ordered to spend 7½ to 15 years in prison for his role in a dog-fighting operation. A West Brandywine Township man, accused by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan of operating ...

Chester County SPCA touting special ‘Pumpkin’

Agency offering promotion to educate public about misunderstood pit bulls Just in time for Halloween, “Pumpkin,” a favorite of the Chester County SPCA staff, is available for adoption. Among the spookiest, scariest creatures of the season, here’s one that the Chester County SPCA says unfairly sparks fear and shouldn’t: pit bulls. To celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day on Saturday, Oct....

Jury convicts dog-shooter of animal cruelty

West Vincent Township man not justified in killing family’s pets  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Gabriel Pilotti, 73, of Chester Springs, was convicted of two counts of animal cruelty on Wednesday for shooting two of his neighbors’ dogs. A West Vincent Township man never denied shooting two of his neighbors’ dogs that strayed onto his property on Feb. 12; at issue...

Cat special debuts during summer’s dog days

Chester County SPCA running promotion to help find homes for felines The Chester County SPCA is running a weeklong promotion to find secure for adoptable cats. The Chester County SPCA took the bait: Inspired by the Discovery Channel’s popular, annual “Shark Week,” the agency is following it up with “Cat Week.” Starting Saturday and running through Friday, Aug. 23, all cats and kittens are...

Chester County SPCA seeking to share surplus

Weekend ‘Adopt-a-Thon’  includes reduced fees for potential pets The animal rescue business is going a little too well at the moment, according to officials at the Chester County SPCA. A surplus of adoption-ready pets has prompted the nonprofit to run a weekend special in an effort to reduce its population. “The love of an animal is priceless. And now the Chester County SPCA makes it more...

Animal-advocacy volunteer receives honor

Chester  County SPCA’s board treasurer singled out for recognition Frank Sobyak, the Chester County SPCA’s board treasurer, displays his Volunteer of the YearAward with his daughter, Beth Ann Sobyak, and his wife, Ardyth Sobyak. Anyone connected with the Chester County SPCA routinely touts its superb volunteers, a dedicated crew that serves as an integral part of the nonprofit’s operation. However,...

Chester County SPCA gala gets rave reviews

Annual fund-raiser draws more than 350 to Unionville horse farm By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times A colorful carriage parade is a popular tradition of the Chester County SPCA’s annual Forget-Me-Not fund-raiser. The assessment of attendees at the Chester County SPCA’s elegant 26th Annual Forget-Me-Not Gala in Unionville on Sunday proved overwhelmingly positive. Factoring in...

Chester County SPCA: During dog days, adopt pet

Agency is running special promotion to reduce surplus Sweetness is one of the female dogs looking for a permanent home, and Chester County SPCA officials say she’s aptly named. As sizzling temperatures create early summer dog days, the Chester County SPCA wants residents to know that it currently has a surplus of potential canine pets. To help them get adopted faster, the agency is running a...

Memorable vista redux for Forget-Me-Not gala

Chester County SPCA’s fund-raiser returns to home of E. Marlborough animal advocates East Marlborough Township Supervisors’ Chairman Cuyler Walker, shown with several of his Labradors, will host the upcoming Chester County SPCA’s Forget-Me-Not Gala with his wife, Katie Ryan Walker. Those who missed last year’s memorable Forget-Me-Not Gala will get another chance to enjoy a spectacular Unionville...