HARRISBURG, PA — The Montgomery County SPCA has agreed to replace its leadership, improve animal care and facilities, and pay $21,040 after a Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office investigation found alleged failures in nonprofit management, animal care and use of charitable funds.
The settlement requires the organization to replace its board of directors, executive staff and shelter management; revise its bylaws and policies; and bring its facilities into compliance or build new ones, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office.
“Pennsylvanians who donate to charities should be able to trust that their money is being used to support an organization’s mission,” Sunday said.
Sunday added that the settlement “puts important safeguards in place” and signals that charitable organizations are expected to fulfill their missions and comply with the law.
The organization has already replaced its board and CEO, revised its bylaws and policies, and begun facility improvements, the Attorney General’s Office reported. Plans also include building at least one new shelter.
The investigation began after the office received numerous complaints in late 2024 about poor kennel conditions, inadequate animal care and insufficient training for employees and volunteers.
Investigators found that from at least 2021 through October 2024, the organization allegedly violated Pennsylvania laws governing nonprofits and trade practices.
The findings included potentially unnecessary or premature euthanasia of animals, unsafe and improperly maintained facilities, and insufficient spending on facility maintenance, staff training and animal care despite the organization holding approximately $67 million in assets and endowments.
The organization will pay $21,040 in penalties and costs under the settlement.
The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance was filed by Senior Deputy Attorney General Stacey Main of the Attorney General’s Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section.
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