STAR Fund Founder Calls on McKean County SPCA Board to Clarify Referral Practices

A local animal-aid organizer is asking the McKean County SPCA Board of Directors to clarify why people seeking assistance for sick or injured stray animals are reportedly being directed to the privately operated STAR Fund.

In a Facebook post addressed to the board, the fund’s founder said she had never discussed such an arrangement with board members and had not authorized the SPCA to refer cases to the program. She said the memorial fund was established in her late son’s name and relies on community fundraising to assist sick and injured stray animals.

The McKean County SPCA describes itself as a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter operating through donations from supporters. Pennsylvania 211 lists the organization as providing shelter, food, water and veterinary care for animals in McKean County.

Publicly available federal tax information shows that the organization reported $531,680 in revenue and $589,535 in expenses for 2024. It reported approximately $726,103 in total assets and $724,611 in net assets. Contributions accounted for $467,737, or approximately 88 percent, of its reported revenue. These figures describe the organization’s overall finances but do not, by themselves, show how much money was immediately available for emergency veterinary cases or whether any assets were restricted for particular purposes.

Past McKean County SPCA Facebook posts show the shelter has previously accepted groups of stray or endangered animals while seeking public donations for veterinary and supply expenses. In one earlier case, the shelter reported taking in 17 cats from a property where cats were allegedly being dumped and said the animals needed veterinary examinations, sterilization and treatment for health concerns. In another post, the shelter said it had accepted dogs, cats and kittens connected with a Pennsylvania State Police cruelty investigation.

Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement also has a role in responding to dogs running at large. State dog wardens may seize stray dogs, attempt to locate their owners and find shelter placement. Animal-cruelty investigations, however, are referred to humane society police officers or regular law-enforcement officers rather than being handled by state dog wardens.

J² Press has not independently confirmed that McKean County SPCA employees were instructed by the board or management to direct injured-animal cases to the STAR Fund. The Facebook post represents the fund founder’s account and questions to the organization.

A response from the McKean County SPCA should be added if one is received.