NORWICH – With new programs, changes to its municipal contract, and the continuing search for a new executive director, the Chenango SPCA is looking this year to move forward with its mission of providing and promoting care, compassion and respect for animals and the community.

“We’ve had a really busy year,” said acting director Courtney Sullivan. Since last fall, Sullivan, who also serves as the CSPCA board president, has taken the reigns of director at the shelter. The CSPCA board is currently in the search process for a new director, which Sullivan hopes to have filled by the first of the year. “We have a few who are going to come in for a second interview, but it’s important that we find the right person for the job,” Sullivan said. “The board and the staff here are phenomenal. They’ve really stepped up to the plate in the meantime.”

Recently, the CSPCA has taken steps it says are critical in protecting its community reputation and avoiding legal discord wherever possible. The board made changes in its municipality contract – a contract entered by Chenango County municipalities to use services of the CSPCA – that prevent good-will samaritans from dropping off abandoned dogs. Under new stipulations, civilians who see a stray dog within their township, village or in the City of Norwich, must contact the dog control officer of that municipality to seize the dog.

“Any dog brought in by a good samaritan is considered an illegal seizure,” explained CSPCA Director of Operations Lisa Teller. “And it’s not safe for a good samaritan to pick up a dog,” she added, citing the potential for dogs to carry disease and safety risk involved in handling any animal. “Even a good animal can turn on you,” she said.

“We’re trying to simplify our contract, but also making sure our ‘t’s’ are crossed and our ‘i’s’ are dotted,” added Sullivan.