New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced on Oct. 20 that SPCA Westchester has purchased a new emergency response vehicle and vital medical equipment thanks to a $100,000 grant that he secured. “This grant is an investment in compassion, health, and community,” Harckham said. “SPCA Westchester plays an essential role in protecting vulnerable animals and ensuring they receive the medical care and safe shelter they deserve. I’m proud to support their extraordinary work with the resources needed to continue saving animals’ lives.” The funding enabled the SPCA to purchase a 2025 Ford Escape to enhance its animal protection patrols, as well as to buy other vital equipment designed to support the SPCA Westchester’s mission to provide lifesaving medical care and compassionate shelter.
Shannon Laukhuf, CEO of SPCA Westchester said: “Thanks to Senator Harckham’s advocacy, the SPCA is now better equipped to meet our commitment to protecting and caring for Westchester’s animals. As the County’s sole Humane Law Enforcement Unit, our new vehicle will enable officers to swiftly respond to calls of potential cruelty, ensuring animals are removed from harm’s way and their abusers arrested. Further, this generous grant made it possible for us to purchase state-of-the-art medical suites and caging, giving our rescue animals a healthier and more enriching space as they recover from surgery and await adoption.”
The grant was funded through the New York State Local Community Assistance Program (LOCAP), which is designed to assist non-profit organizations. Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has delivered $35 million in grant funding for towns, cities, villages, and non-profit organizations in Senate District 40.