Pocono News Section

Shelter Shutdown: What Happens to your Donations?

Shelter Shutdown: What Happens to your Donations? - Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 5:01PM EST

STROUDSBURG - Controversy continues to surround the Monroe County SPCA even after it closed. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals shut down the Stroudsburg shelter last week. It cited a lack of money and community support. But now many are wondering what happens to the donations they gave and to the SPCA building.
State money set aside to help pets will now help people in Monroe County. State Representative John Siptroth recently secured a $30,000 grant for the Monroe County SPCA. It was supposed to help start a spay and neuter program. But the office abruptly shut down last week. The state told Representative Siptroth he better find something to do with the money or it would be taken out of Monroe County. So he decided to split it between three charities. They include Family Promise of Monroe County. It will receive $10,000.

"I was thrilled to death," said Kathy Aira the Executive Director of Monroe County Family Promise. The organization helps homeless families get back on their feet. Aira said the money was a lifesaver. "Financing is extremely tight. Like everyone else, non profits and people lone are hurting this year," she explained.

In addition to the grant, many people wondered what would happen to the SPCA building. Officials tell Eyewitness News they will put it up for sale. They would not say how much it might cost.

Eyewitness News dug up the deed for the building. It shows a donor gave it to the SPCA for just $1 in 1951. Some rescue groups hoped they could get the same deal.

"There's a lot of people that don't want to see it closed down. They want to see it open," said Helen Diecidue the Recorder of Deeds.

But the SPCA says it is not willing to give it away cheap. A spokesperson said the organization needs to make money on the building to pay back bills.

The spay-neuter money will also go to the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network and Bushkill Outreach food pantries. Private donations will pay for the two SPCA humane officers who will still patrol Monroe County. If you would like a donation you made to go somewhere else you should contact the PSPCA at info@pspca. org.