Stolen Donations and Growing Needs: Cortland County SPCA Issues Plea for Community Support

The Cortland County SPCA is issuing an urgent plea to the community after a series of thefts have left their donation bins empty and their mission at risk.

In a recent interview with X101’s Mike Eves, Executive Director Stacy Mitchell revealed that the shelter has seen a significant drop in revenue due to individuals stealing donated cans and bottles directly from the property.

“We’ve noticed a large drop in our can and bottle returns from last year to this year,” Mitchell said. “We rely fully on all donations—everything matters.”

A Deliberate Act of Theft
The situation reached a breaking point this week when staff arrived to find bins that were overflowing at closing time had been nearly emptied overnight. Shelter officials say the acts are clearly deliberate, as individuals have gone as far as tearing down posted surveillance notices and signs.

The loss is more than just financial; it’s personal. In a statement to the community, the SPCA noted:

“Those cans and bottles are not extra — they are food in bowls, medication for the sick, and warmth in the winter. When they are taken, it is money taken directly from animals who have no income, no assistance programs, and no one else to rely on.”

The shelter receives no operational government funding for daily expenses like food, heat, or medical care. While they hold contracts for municipal dog control, those funds do not cover the overhead costs of the animals once they enter the building.

How to Ensure Your Donation Counts
To combat the ongoing thefts, the SPCA is asking donors to bypass the on-site bins and take their returns directly to local redemption centers. You can ask to have the funds credited to the Cortland County SPCA account at the following locations:

Superior Redemption – 3554 West Road, Cortland

American Bottle & Can – 4363 1/2 North Homer Avenue, Cortland

Immediate Needs: Supplies and Volunteers
Beyond monetary support, the shelter is currently at capacity and in need of specific items. The recent implementation of the New York State Standards of Care Act has required the shelter to provide more space per animal, effectively lowering their total capacity even as the demand for rescue remains high.

The SPCA is currently seeking:

Puppy Care: Puppy formula and unscented baby wipes.

Cat Supplies: Non-clumping kitty litter.

General Needs: Paper towels, blankets, used towels, and dog treats.

Volunteers: “Trusted volunteers” are needed specifically to help transport cans and bottles directly to redemption accounts to ensure the funds reach the animals.

Upcoming Events
Community members can also show their support by attending the “For the Love of Paws” Basket Raffle.

When: Saturday, February 28th

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Where: Homer Elks Lodge

The event will feature various prizes and raffles, with all proceeds benefiting the shelter.

Visiting the Shelter
The Cortland County SPCA is located at 879 McLean Road and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Those interested in adoption or volunteering are encouraged to make an appointment or visit their Amazon Wishlist for a full list of daily needs.