Established in 1870, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals continues, in the words of SPCA director Dr. E.J. Finocchio, to advocate for "all creatures, great and small." But like many nonprofit agencies that work with animals, the SPCA has struggled with a lack of donations since the September 11 attacks. "We almost have to beg, borrow, and steal to get the $3200," says Finocchio, referring to state money the SPCA receives for conducting 40-70 vicious dog hearings each year.

In an effort to ease this plight, the Decatur Lounge (18 Luongo Square, on the West Side of Providence), is hosting a benefit Saturday, February 15 from 7 p.m. to midnight for the SPCA and Volunteer Services for Animals. The event, hosted by WHJY's Amy Hagan, will include drink specials, free food, and a raffle featuring prizes donated by Lupo's, Atlas Bower Books, Tom's Tracks, and other local businesses.

The assistance is greatly appreciated by Finocchio, who worked as a North Smithfield-based horse veterinarian for 33 years before becoming the SPCA's tenth director last July. Just in the last month, the ongoing problem of cruelty to animals can be seen, he says, in how a dog and cat were shot in Burrillville, one dog was killed and another injured in Barrington, and 120 sheep were virtually starved to death in Tiverton. "These things were going on in 1870 when we started and they're still going on today," notes Finocchio.

The SPCA also advocates for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and disabled, who are at risk of losing their pets, and helps to care for these animals. After a housing authority in Johnston told a World War II veteran that he can't keep his 12-year-old mutt since it exceeds a weight limit, the SPCA is boarding the dog at no cost while working to reunite it with its owner. "He comes here every day," Finocchio says. "Here's a person who fought for this country. He doesn't have much in life. This dog means so much to him."

In addition, the SPCA conducts an educational program in which 500 students learn each year about the spaying and neutering of pets. The course is meant to help to reduce pet overpopulation -- described by Finocchio as a national tragedy -- since between 8 million and 12 million animals are relinquished to humane societies each year, with more than 70 of the cats and more than 60 percent of the dogs eventually being put to death.

Even though the SPCA functions as the state's law enforcement agency for animals, it receives no government money beyond the $3200 for conducting vicious dog hearings. Annual donations rarely top $20,000, except in the rare instance when the nonprofit is named as a beneficiary in a will. So it seems appropriate that the Decatur, with Nick-a-Nee's, one of the most dog-friendly bars in Providence, will help to share some love this Valentine's Day weekend.

Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis[a]phx.com.

Issue Date: February 14 - 20, 2003