🐾 August Pet Food Pantry

 

Beyond the Headlines: What Wildlife Protection Changes Really Mean for Our Communities

What’s Really Happening With Changes to the Endangered Species Act?

Before We Share, Let’s Get the Facts

If you’ve seen posts lately about changes to wildlife protections and the Endangered Species Act, you may be wondering what is actually true.

Fake news is real.
(Yes, that’s an oxymoron… and yes, it’s true.)

We live in a time where information spreads quickly. A headline or social media post can make people react before they know the whole story.

Don’t just read the headline.

Don’t react emotionally.

Get the facts.

Because when it comes to animals, we owe it to them to understand what’s really happening.

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So What Changed?

The Endangered Species Act is still the law. It was created in 1973 to protect animals and plants at risk of extinction and the habitats they depend on.

One of the biggest changes involves the word “harm.”

For many years, federal regulations included certain types of habitat damage as “harm” when that damage resulted in injury or death to a protected species.

That specific definition was removed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

This does not mean the Endangered Species Act disappeared or that wildlife has no protection.

But it does change how some situations involving habitat damage may be handled.

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Why Does Habitat Matter?

Animals need more than protection from being directly harmed.

They need places to live.

They need food, water, shelter, and safe places to raise their young.

Whether we’re talking about wildlife depending on a healthy habitat or a family pet depending on someone who can care for them, animals need people willing to understand the challenges they face.

We saw a reminder of that right here in Delaware County when a black bear was caught on camera wandering through Media, PA on June 10, 2026. Wildlife isn’t always somewhere far away — animals and people share the same spaces. You can see the story and video from 6abc Action News here.

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What About Threatened Species?

Another change involves animals listed as threatened.

Previously, many newly listed threatened species automatically received the same protections as endangered species.

Now, protections can be determined individually for each species.

You can learn more from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act information page.

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Why Should Animal Lovers Care?

Some people believe these changes create a better balance between conservation, property rights, and development.

Others worry that reducing certain protections could make it easier for important habitats to be damaged.

The truth is, this is a complicated issue.

But one thing isn’t complicated:

Animals depend on people.

Wildlife needs healthy habitats.

Pets need families who can care for them.

Rescues need support.

Communities need resources.

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What Can We Do?

Even when decisions are made far away, we can still make a difference where we live.

We can:

🐾 Support spay and neuter efforts
🐾 Help families keep their pets
🐾 Teach children kindness toward animals
🐾 Support rescues and animal organizations
🐾 Stay informed and share accurate information

Because animals don’t know about laws or politics.

They only know whether someone cares enough to help them.

Every animal matters.

Your Donations Make a Difference

When most people think of a pet food pantry, they picture families struggling to feed their own pets. While we certainly help families in need, they're actually not the majority of the people who come to our pantry.

What many people don't realize is that much of the food we distribute goes to the dedicated individuals who care for Delaware County's outdoor stray and feral cats. These dedicated people know that these cats didn't choose to be homeless. They were dumped, abandoned, left behind when someone moved, or simply put outside and never allowed back in. The reality is, these cats exist because people failed them—not because they chose this life. The overpopulation of stray pets is not an animal problem. It's a people problem.

The people feeding them are volunteers, rescuers, and trappers who spend countless hours—and often their own money—making sure these cats don't go hungry while working to have them spayed, neutered, and receive the veterinary care they need.

Every bag of food, every can of food, and every donation helps support those efforts. It helps feed cats that have no one else looking out for them, supports the people doing the hard work on the front lines, and helps reduce the stray population through prevention instead of waiting until there's a crisis.

 

A Community Crisis Deserves Official Action - Joyner's Furr-eedom Rescue Tries to Help

Her name is Amanda and her rescue is called Joyner’s Furr-eedom Rescue. Amanda recently received a Pennsylvania stray-hold license, which means she is legally allowed to take in stray animals.

A lot of people still don’t realize that Delaware County has no SPCA, and that Providence Animal Center, a well-run organization, is not a stray intake facility — they only accept owner surrenders. Meanwhile, the stray animal over-population crisis continues to grow, especially in Chester City.

Right now, Amanda is willing to step up and help Chester City at no charge and be part of the solution. But this cannot happen without leadership, cooperation, and elected officials willing to work with the people trying to make a difference.

Mayor Stefan Roots, I don’t know if you remember, but over a year ago I met you while you were sitting your SUV (if I remember correctly) in the parking lot of Chester City Hall. I noticed you were in the Mayor’s assigned parking spot so I assumed you were the mayor. I introduced myself and explained our mission. I handed you a flyer about our mission. You said you would pass it on to the right person. I was appreciative. But I never heard anything more; not from you, not from anyone in Chester.

I truly hoped you would become part of the solution. Instead, the situation has continued to get worse.

Children are at risk. Adults are at risk. Animals are suffering every single day. Police officers are being put in heartbreaking situations where they are forced to shoot dogs. That should never be considered normal. There’s also talk about dog fighting rings - hearsay but not far-fetched. Are you aware?

After having a good conversation with Amanda, we came to the conclusion that we want to work together — along with Jules Clevenger and anyone else willing to help — to build an Animal Welfare Center for Delaware County. The pieces are starting to come together, but one major thing is still missing: a building.

Amanda is offering help. The question is whether Mayor Roots and elected leaders are finally willing to accept it before this crisis grows even worse.

Partial List of Delaware County Stray Cat Feeding Ordinances

 

Partial List of Stray Cat Feeding Ordinances & Policies in Delco

It's important to know that ordinances can vary by township/borough within Delaware County. Always consult your local municipal code or animal control office for the most accurate and current regulations.

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🐱 1. Stray Cats and Animal Control Services

Most municipalities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania rely on local animal control officers to respond to issues with stray animals, but enforcement varies by township. In some areas, you must call the township offices to report stray cats or request an animal control service visit.

🐾 2. Definitions & Regulations on Feral/Stray Cats

Some local codes (e.g., Middletown Township’s animal ordinance) define terms like feral cat and include rules about trapping, keeping, or feeding stray and feral cats. These ordinances also often establish criteria for how stray or feral cats are managed and can include provisions such as required humane handling and Trap-Neuter-Return protocols.

🐾 3. Feeding & Nuisance Rules

Local ordinances in parts of the county may prohibit feeding stray or feral cats in ways that create a nuisance or affect neighboring properties. In those cases, fines can be assessed or enforcement action can be taken against persons who harbor or feed stray cats if it becomes a public nuisance.

🛠 4. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Practices

While there has been no countywide animal control, there are some individuals and rescues that provide humane Trap-Neuter-Return programs which the many municipalities allow. TNR programs trap free-roaming cats, have them spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and then return them. This helps manage the population humanely and may be referenced in local ordinances or policies.

🏙️ 5. Contact Local Animal Control

For issues with stray or feral cats, the first step in many Delaware County municipalities is to contact your township animal control officer or municipal office or view this list. They can advise on local ordinances, proper handling, and next steps.

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💡 Tip: Ordinances often differ between townships (e.g., Middletown, Upper Darby, Springfield), so always check your specific municipal code or animal control department for exact wording and enforcement details.

Delaware County People & Pets Need Help—We Can’t Wait Any Longer - PART 3

New York Takes Bold Action — Now Pennsylvania Must Follow

In November 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $10 million in funding is available to support animal shelter improvements across her state through the Companion AnimalCapital Fund — the eighth round of this pioneering program. This state-run initiative provides grants for urgent capital projects such as kennel renovations, medical facility upgrades, HVAC and safety system improvements, and expansions that increase shelter capacity and animal welfare. Of the total, $1 million is reserved for rescue organizations not under municipal contracts, helping independent shelters that often operate without public funding.

Since its inception in 2017, the Companion Animal Capital Fund has dedicated more than $48 million to 161 projects statewide, helping facilities modernize and improve care while increasing adoption opportunities for dogs and cats.

This leadership from New York sets an important example. While shelters in many states — including Pennsylvania — struggle with aging facilities, limited capacity, and a constant influx of animals in need, New York’s funding initiative shows what’s possible when a state government prioritizes animal welfare infrastructure.

Why Pennsylvania Needs Similar Funding

Right now, Pennsylvania does not have a statewide capital fund dedicated to animal shelter upgrades anywhere near the scale of New York’s program. Many Pennsylvania shelters and rescues operate out of outdated buildings, with limited space for medical care, safe housing, or expanded intake — challenges that directly impact animal wellbeing and adoption outcomes.

A statewide funding initiative in Pennsylvania could:

• Help shelters modernize and expand to meet current and future needs.
• Reduce overcrowding and improve health outcomes for animals in care.
• Support nonprofit and municipal shelters alike, especially smaller organizations that struggle to raise capital for infrastructure upgrades.
• Increase adoption rates by creating more humane, welcoming environments for animals waiting for their forever homes.

How We Can Make It Happen

Getting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s attention and support for this issue is the first step toward change. Here’s how the community can act:

📣 Raise Awareness: Share New York’s example with local lawmakers, shelter leaders, and animal advocates to show what’s possible with dedicated funding.

✉️ Contact Elected Officials: Write to Governor Shapiro and your state representatives to express support for a Pennsylvania companion animal capital fund. Personal stories from volunteers, adopters, and shelter workers are especially impactful.

🤝 Build Coalitions: Shelters, rescues, and animal welfare nonprofits across Pennsylvania can work together to advocate for similar legislation — uniting voices will amplify our message.

💬 Use Social Media & Local Press: Share updates, statistics, and community voices to spotlight the need for shelter infrastructure funding.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but when a neighboring state takes action, it gives us both hope and a blueprint for success. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to take a stand for better shelter care, improved outcomes for homeless animals, and a more compassionate community.

Podcast | Grants For Rescues & Shelters from the Companion Animal Capital Fund

Letter to Animal Sheltering Community Members (NY)

Delaware County People & Pets Need Help—We Can’t Wait Any Longer - PART 2

 

🕰️ It's About Time!

ANIMAL CONTROL IN DELAWARE COUNTY TIMELINE

Pre-2011
The Delaware County SPCA served as the county’s primary animal control shelter, taking in stray, abused, and surrendered animals from municipalities across Delco.

2011
The Delaware County SPCA announced it would end its role as the county’s animal control shelter and transition toward a no-kill, adoption-focused model.

2012
The SPCA officially ended euthanasia and municipal stray intake, effectively leaving Delaware County without a centralized animal control facility.

2011–Present
For more than a decade, Delaware County has relied on:

• Small rescues
• Overextended volunteers
• Foster homes
• Police departments and animal control officers with limited options

Despite repeated calls from advocates, veterinarians, and rescuers, no permanent, county-run Animal Welfare Center has been established.

Today
Delaware County remains one of the largest counties in Pennsylvania without a dedicated animal control shelter, placing enormous strain on rescues, municipalities, and—most importantly—animals. This is why we need the help and support of the community.

Delaware County People & Pets Need Help—We Can’t Wait Any Longer - PART 1

It's Time For PA Leadership To Take Notice and Step Up🐾

If New York Governor Kathy Hochul can allocate $10M in funding for animal shelter upgrades, then Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro can—and should—do the same for our animals.

Watch the video to the left from eight years ago, featuring Delaware County’s Jill Speckman, co-founder of Delco Dawgs. What she shares still resonates today—and the problem has existed long before that (follow Delco Dawgs on Facebook)

In the video, eight years ago, Dr. Sara Sprowls, now co-owner of Glenolden Animal Hospital, says it plainly:

“Building an animal control facility in Delaware County…

is the ultimate solution.”

Yet since the Delaware County SPCA closed its doors around 2012 (fourteen years ago!), the tireless efforts of volunteers and advocates have not been enough. Without sustained action and official support, Delaware County still lacks the permanent Animal Welfare Center that our animals, rescuers and caretakers so desperately need.

Haven’t Delaware County people and pets suffered long enough?
It’s been over a decade since the county had a proper SPCA. Too long.

It’s time to move forward. But we can’t do this alone—community support is essential. Without it, this critical Animal Welfare Center simply won’t become a reality. That’s the reality.

👉 Take action today! Sign and share the petitions below to help bring a permanent Animal Welfare Center to Delaware County. Every signature and share brings us one step closer to a safe, modern facility for our animals and the rescuers who care for them. 🐾❤️

PETITIONS TO SIGN AND SHARE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN DELAWARE COUNTY, PA:

Petition 1: Support the creation of an animal welfare center at Don Guanella

Petition 2: Protect the Paws: Change the Law (this petition idea was Bernadetta Smith's)

Don't forget to follow Delco Dawgs on Facebook

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Let's move forward together!

When “No Kill” Doesn’t Mean What We Think It Means

What do you think of when you hear the words, “No Kill?” 

Many people don’t realize that “No Kill,” as in No Kill shelters, does not literally mean that no animals are ever euthanized. The term itself is often misunderstood. But what we want to talk about here goes deeper than definitions—it points to what we believe may be a systemic issue within the animal welfare and rescue world.

Nathan Winograd, founder of the No Kill Advocacy Center and a longtime advocate for truly No Kill communities, has repeatedly challenged animal advocates to look more closely at the practices of large, well-known organizations. His work encourages transparency and asks us to question assumptions we may have accepted without scrutiny.

Just this morning we received an article by Winograd that we found deeply disturbing. In it, he discusses PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals)—an organization many people believe exists solely to protect animals—and presents evidence that the organization euthanizes a significant number of animals. These are serious claims, and they are not easy to absorb. His article includes documentation and public records that shed light on practices many advocates may not be aware of.

One detail that stood out was a photo of a postcard Winograd states he received from PETA, in which the organization says, “We do not advocate ‘right to life’ for animals.” Seeing those words attributed directly to PETA was jarring and raised important questions. (A photo of the postcard can be viewed here.)

Wanting to better understand this issue, we looked further into the matter using publicly available information. What we found appears to support the core facts presented in Winograd’s article—that PETA does, in fact, euthanize animals at rates far higher than most people realize.

This leads to difficult but necessary questions, particularly regarding their own philosophy and consistency about their advocacy for Veganism. If killing animals for food is considered unacceptable, how is killing animals for other reasons justified? These are not questions meant to provoke outrage, but to encourage honest reflection. We hope those at PETA will reflect on that truth and examine themselves.

As animal advocates, we believe it’s our responsibility to ask hard, including controversial questions, even when the answers challenge long-held beliefs. Transparency, accountability, and truth matter—especially when animals’ lives are at stake. Blind loyalty to any organization helps no one. Informed advocacy, however, can help drive real change. We all have to decide for ourselves what we can accept and live with. But we can't make an informed decision about this important subject when we don't know or have all the facts. Now we have them. 

Inside Our Volunteer Meeting from January 5, 2026 & More

Please be aware that the outline from MS WORD did not transfer properly to this platform.

Keeping Delco updated:

The Don Guanella Petition still needs 2254 signatures and the Protect the Paws: Change the Law Petition only needs 85 more! Thanks for helping us get signatures!

We decided that we have Zoom meetings every third Monday of each month we will keep those going and hold in-person meetings quarterly.  I’d like to invite you (and anyone you know who would be interested) to REGISTER for our next Zoom meeting which will be on Monday, January 19th. Once you register you do not need to register again, unless otherwise stated.

I’d also like to invite you to Humane Lobby Day in Harrisburg on Monday, May 4! The event will run from 9 AM to 3 PM (more information to come)! 

The role of Delco Loves Animals

Delco Loves Animals will work toward establishing a statewide spay and neuter voucher program for Pennsylvania and will assist in facilitating the necessary steps to create an Animal Welfare Center for Delaware County. Community involvement is imperative and necessary.

The goal of an Animal Welfare Center is to:

• Help reduce the stray pet population by
• Providing intake for strays and owner surrenders
• Providing low- and no-cost spay & neuter services to those who can’t afford it and to stray animals and animals surrendered by their owners

A Statewide Spay & Neuter Voucher Program

Ø  Through my contact at the Humane World For Animals (formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HSI), I have been put in contact with someone who I will be working with to get started on a spay/neuter voucher program. I will also be contacting State Rep Heather Boyd about the following:

o   If we could get it, a state budget allocation is ideal
o   Pet food surcharge on companies selling pet food in the state (see Summerlee Foundation)
o   Income tax or vehicle registration check off programs (these are usually easiest to pass because they're voluntary but may not generate enough funding)

o   PA has a license plate program to generate funding through the New Spay Neuter License Plate – I’ve been put in contact with someone to work on this

Ø   If you know a State Rep, Congressman/woman or any legislators, please let us know and help us get in touch with them.

The Former Don Guanella Site

Ø                  The Petition

·        Signatures Needed: We still need 2,259 signatures to reach the goal to move forward.

·        Press Conference: Once we reach 5,000 signatures, we will hold a press conference.

o   If anyone has suggestions for a location, please share.

o   We will need prominent voices from Delco to speak at the event.

o   We will need to contact newspapers and TV news stations. If you or someone you know has media connections, please help us get in touch.

·        Local Municipality Meetings

o   We will need representatives from each municipality to present at public meetings

o   We will provide a script

o   The goal is to direct the municipality funds for animal control to the Animal Welfare Center in order to centralize intake and provide animal control services throughout Delco

§  This will provide relief to residents and animals as there will be one remedy when someone finds a stray animal or needs to surrender their pet

Start contacting successful 501(c)3’s who may be willing to expand (Providence Animal Center (PAC), Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA), Forgotten Cats, PA SPCA, Rescues/Shelters, etc.

•  What About Municipalities That Don’t Provide Animal Control?
• This will need to be carefully considered and discussed in order to come up with a solution
• Come up with a plan that no municipality can refuse

• Discuss with animal control companies

·        County Council Meetings: After the press conference, we will need large groups to attend County Council meetings to show support.

o   Regular county council public meetings are held:

§  1st & 3rd Wednesdays each month at 6:00 PM (January – May)

§  1:00 PM (June – December)

§  Location: 1st Floor, Government Center Building, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA

o   We will need the advice from professionals for our presentations and for attending meetings, including:

• Lawyers
• Architects
• Structural Engineers
• Contractors
• Inspectors
• Accountants
• Any other professionals who can provide expertise in determining if the building can work

§  We will need to find out how and when to go about obtaining inspection reports for the buildings from the county (they

§  already had these done), and any other pertinent information we’ll need

§  If anyone knows of any professionals who would be willing to contribute their advice pro bono, please let us know. Let them know this is a community effort for the county and not a “for profit” business

o   Convincing County Council: Once we convince the county council that the old Don Guanella site is the perfect location for an Animal Welfare Center, then we can

§  We will need to determine which building would be most useful

§  We will need the proper professionals to help us review the inspection reports

§  We will need the proper professionals and contractors to determine the amount of repairs and renovations it will cost just to get the building safe, repaired and up to code

·        Marple Township

o   Prepare to request zoning variance request (Marple Township) – we will need an attorney for this

o   Go to Marple Township for zoning variance. We will need a large group to attend

·        After Building & Variance Approval

o   Once the building is promised and the zoning variance is approved, we will need to decide on the following:

§  A name for the building – A possibility is Delco Loves Animals

§  Determine what the most important services are

§  Intake of strays and owner surrenders

§  Holding area for strays and surrenders

§  Flea/Ear Mite/Worm treatment

§  Bathing area

§  Pet Food Pantry

§  TNR

§  Transportation to clinics for spay/neuter services for TNR and strays

§  Fosters

§  Adoption Center – This needs to be a huge focus - The goal is to have one adoption center that can be utilized by all rescues/shelters in the county

§  Centralized computer system where rescues and shelters can share what their availability is for fostering

§  Receive proposals from successful 501(c)3 non-profit rescues/shelters that are willing to expand

• Form a committee to interview, review their books/records and approve/choose the best candidate(s)
• Work on specifications and renovation details with proper professionals and 501(c)3 non-profit(s) who will (can be more than one)
• Required licenses will be obtained by the 501(c)3 non-profit(s)

Other things to consider:

1.       Form a coalition NOW between rescues, shelters, clinics, veterinarians, fosters, colony feeders, trappers, etc. in order to form a cohesive bond between all those involved with the effort to help reduce the stray pet population in Delco and to bring relief to residents who are exhausted due to taking it upon themselves to try and be part of the solution.

2.     We will need legal and CPA advice regarding whether or not

a.    A new non-profit will be formed that the 501(c)3’s will operate under or if they will operate separately under their own 501(c)3

b.    The 501(c)3’s will have ownership in the Animal Welfare Center or pay rent

c.     The Animal Welfare Center will be a source of income for the municipalities and/or the county to help reduce property taxes

                                                    i.     Rent office space to animal-related businesses

3.     Depending on how much space is available in the building, it may be possible to rent space to animal-related businesses at the Animal Welfare Center

a.    Animal Control

b.    Spay/neuter clinic

c.     Dog training

d.    Adoption Café for cats and dogs

e.     Pet Store

f.       And others

4.     Create target dates as we go along as it pertains to the building and the center to help stay on track

5.     Funding – we will need to do fundraising, find grant writers, obtain donors, hold events, etc.

Please Note: This outline is not exhaustive. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or feedback regarding any of the points included, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Thank you!