HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a settlement with the Montgomery County SPCA regarding the organization’s mismanagement, animal care practices, and misuse of charitable funds.
The settlement effectively results in the overhaul of the organization’s board of directors and executive staff, as well as more training for staff, and commitments to improving and expanding services. The organization will also pay $21,040 in penalties and costs.
Montgomery County SPCA is a charitable organization and is required to comply with Pennsylvania laws governing nonprofits and trade practices. The settlement follows an investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section.
“Pennsylvanians who donate to charities should be able to trust that their money is being used to support an organization’s mission,” Attorney General Sunday said. “This settlement holds the Montgomery County SPCA accountable, puts important safeguards in place, and serves as a reminder to other charitable organizations that they will be expected to fulfill their mission and comply with the law.”
Specifically, the Office of Attorney General’s Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, or settlement, requires the organization to: replace its Board of Directors, executive staff, and shelter management; bring its facilities into compliance or build new ones; and review and revise its bylaws and policies.
The organization has informed the Office of Attorney General that the board and CEO have already been replaced; that bylaws and policies have been revised; and improvements to facilities are ongoing, with plans to build at least one new shelter.
The Office of Attorney General began its investigation after receiving numerous complaints in late 2024 regarding Montgomery County SPCA’s poor kennel conditions, inadequate treatment of animals, and insufficient training for employees and volunteers. The investigation found that, from at least 2021 through October 2024, the organization violated multiple Pennsylvania laws governing nonprofits and trade practices including potentially unnecessary or premature euthanasia of animals; unsafe and improperly maintained facilities; and and maintaining approximately $67 million in assets and endowments, while not allocating a sufficient amount of donated funds for facility maintenance, staff training and education, and animal care.
The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance was filed by Senior Deputy Attorney General Stacey Main from the Office of Attorney General’s Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section.
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