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Please help Amira.

To help with Amira's care, please consider making a donation to the KCSPCA.

By Chris Flood
Delaware State News

CAMDEN — With a $2 million unfunded mandate and much-needed capital improvements on its plate, it’s safe to say the Kent County SPCA is facing some serious financial issues.

But after two months on the job Kevin Usilton, the SPCA’s new executive director, feels he’s up to the challenge.

“I pretty much knew what was happening,” he said, discussing why he left his job in Baltimore as director of the Bureau of Animal Control. “Every shelter I’ve worked at has been left much stronger than when I started.”

Mr. Usilton, 48, with 21 years of animal control and animal shelter experience, began as the Kent shelter’s executive director Jan. 2 after former executive director Murray Goldthwaite resigned after 18 years. He’s worked for the Wicomico County Humane Society, Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Ohio, Delaware Humane Association and most recently the position in Baltimore.

Delaware State News/Dave Chambers

Kent County SPCA executive director Kevin Usilton of Smyrna holds two playful puppies inside his office Thursday morning. After two months on the job, he feels he’s up to the challenge. “I pretty much knew what was happening,” he said. “Every shelter I’ve worked at has been left much stronger than when I started.”

And while he’s not out to knock the shelter’s previous administration, Mr. Usilton will be running the organization differently.

“I want to change the culture within the community,” he said, understanding that by its very nature the shelter is going to have some conflict. “But with conflict comes growth. And I want to see us grow as an organization.”

For both change and growth to happen, Mr. Usilton said it needs to start from within. That’s why the first thing he did when he took over was to thoroughly examine all of the shelter’s contracts, service prices and general facility needs.

Now, after two months, he’s ready to begin spreading the word that the shelter needs money. It also needs the government’s and/or surrounding communities’ help to keep providing the level of service customers have become accustomed to.

Mr. Usilton said the shelter was $450,000 in the hole last year. In an effort to make up for half of that amount, the shelter increased its fees across the board beginning March 1.

Topping the list of financial issues is the Companion Animal Protection Act (CAPA) that was signed into law in 2009 by state legislators. CAPA requires vaccinations on all animals (not just dogs) and an eight-hour window to perform them. When it was made law, there was no funding source to pay for the additional vaccines and additional man-hours needed take to implement the program.

Mr. Usilton has estimated that following through with the law, which the Department of Agriculture has told him must be done, will cost the shelter an additional $2 million. The issue is that nobody wants to help for the additional services that, by law, the shelter must perform.

During a Kent County Levy Court meeting two weeks ago, commissioners and the county administrator said the additional cost wasn’t their problem. Their opinion was based on the fact that under Title IX, Chapter IX of Delaware code, they are responsible for dog control only. CAPA falls under Title III of Delaware code.

Mr. Usilton hasn’t asked any of the counties for money at this point, but he intends to soon.

“The dog control system is a very antiquated service,” he said, adding that pet owners care about every animal. “Our residents care about a lot more than just dogs.”

Mr. Usilton isn’t saying it’s as simple as taking the $2 million and dividing it by three to see how much every county should contribute. But he thinks the shelter is providing an essential service that’s much cheaper than if the county began an animal control operation (building a facility, hiring more employees, buying tools) on its own.

The shelter is still trying to figure out what percentage of the CAPA amount they feel each county should be responsible for.

Another issue facing the shelter is much needed capital improvement.

The trucks used to retrieve animals have nearly 300,000 miles on them and should be replaced soon. Mr. Usilton said the newer of the shelter’s buildings is overcrowded and was under-built. He said it was built quickly and, because of the way the dogs are separated, disease can be easily spread.

Unlike the shelter’s main building (which has dogs separated by brick from the .oor up), dogs in the new building have the ability to . t their paws underneath the fencing that separates them and into another dog’s area.

A potential issue on the shelter’s radar is Senate Bill 156, which would restrict the tethering of dogs outside from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., unless it is for less than a 15-minute period.

Mr. Usilton isn’t apposed to the tethering law. He thinks it would definitely bene.t dogs, but the problem is that funding from the county only allows for dog control services from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The new law would require the shelter to hire at least two more people and he has no means of paying for them.

“At this point we can’t support any unfunded mandates for animals,” said Mr. Usilton.

The shelter is also concerned with cat control. As it currently stands the SPCA is not responsible for cats, but they’re a huge problem.

Mr. Usilton cited a recent case in New Castle County, where a crate of cats was dropped off outside a McDonald’s, but nobody would come and pick them up. After repeated phone calls to animal control authorities and being denied, someone called in a suspicious package threat — bringing out multiple police units and the bomb squad.

Mr. Usilton said people will feed cats for an extended period of time, then become frustrated when they keep coming back after they want the cats to leave.

One of Mr. Usilton’s biggest goals is to get the state to be the one that’s in charge — like it used to be. He said having to deal with state, county and some city laws requires a lot of administrative time.

He questions why a state with a population less than the size of Baltimore (which has only one governing body overseeing the whole animal control operation) needs multiple contracts.

“A statewide contract would be much easier,” he said. “There would be equal enforcement with one set of law and penalties.”

For all the negatives, it’s the stories of adoptions, reuniting of animal owners with lost pets, removal of animals from cruel situations and other successes that keep Mr. Usilton motivated.

“I was born with it,” he said of why he got into this line of work and why he will continue to make sure the shelter’s message is heard. “It’s intrinsically part of my nature.”

Staff writer Chris Flood can be reached at 741-8230 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Three-foot alligator captured from Cheswold pond

Officials say reptile likely abandoned, Florida-bound soon

By Jessica Eisenbrey

Delaware State News

CHESWOLD — Kent County SPCA Animal Control officers found an unusual creature inhabiting a pond near the Redner’s Warehouse Market on Salt Creek Drive in Cheswold Thursday afternoon — an alligator more than three feet in length. When the officers responded, along with Division of Fish & Wild-life, they encountered the reptile and managed to safely capture it.

Kevin Usilton, Kent County SPCA director, said the alligator will be sent for rehabilitation.

“We’re transporting it to a rehabilitator to ultimately go back to Florida,” he said.

The call was received by animal control officers around 3:30 p.m. Thursday when a citizen happened to spot the alligator in the pond, said Mr. Usilton.

“Because of all the rain, the drainage ditches and things are all full of water,” he said. “We’re happy that they called it in.”

The alligator found in Cheswold was more than likely dropped off by someone who felt they could keep it as a pet.

“I’m sure that somebody dumped it,” Mr. Usilton said.

Alligators are illegal to own in Delaware, however, and are not only dangerous to people but can also cause harm to the state’s ecosystem.

“We discourage people from owning them and to not bring them into the state,” said Mr. Usilton. “They can wreak havoc to our native species.”

The last time an alligator was found in Kent County was about a year and a half ago, he said.

“Periodically we get these weird little things,” Mr. Usilton said. “ Yesterday we had a goat that was a stray. Every once in awhile something unusual comes along.”

In addition to Thursday’s reptilian find, the SPCA officers have had a busy week involving stray goats and loose cows, but this is part of the work the agency does.

“We’re ready, willing and able,” said Mr. Usilton. “We never have a dull moment in animal control.”

Staff writer Jessica Eisenbrey can be reached at 741-8242 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fresh Start

Dear Friend,

Forty Seven years ago, The Kent County SPCA was formed to be a safe haven for the uncared for animals in our community. Today, we are still a safe haven for over 16,000 animals each year. KCSPCA has positively impacted the lives of many hurt, hungry, abandoned and abused animals, and has touched so many members of our community through our outreach programs. As the largest animal shelter in the state, we provide shelter, food, vaccines, medication, and surgery services for the animals in our care. We also provide many outreach programs in the community including low cost spay/neuter services for targeted populations, rabies and wellness clinics, emergency housing, a pet food pantry, summer youth camps and more.

This is a new year and the Kent County SPCA is starting off fresh with lots of exciting changes for the animals in our care and people in the community that we serve. We have welcomed a new Executive Director, Kevin Usilton and we look forward to his leadership through these changes. We want to continue to provide quality care for the thousands of animals that come through our doors, but we can’t do this without your help! We are struggling to keep up with the daily demand for our services. Did you know that the Kent County SPCA shelter is NOT funded by the State of Delaware, but we do serve all three counties?

Delaware Animal Care & Control only receives funding from each of the three counties to handle the stray dog and rabies contract operations. After the required three day hold period, the remaining burden of care becomes the unfunded responsibility of the KCSPCA shelter. The Kent County SPCA is a private non-profit organization that depends solely on the donations and fees for service from individuals like you to keep our programs running.

As of March 1, 2012 the following service fees will be raised to the following amounts, to help us meet our obligations to the human and animal populations we serve. Thanks for understanding our challenges and for helping make Delaware a great place for pets.

As of March 1, 2012, new fees for KCSPCA

Adoptions		Preventatives
Puppy	$175.00	EctoAdvance Cat	$25.00
Dog	$125.00	EctoAdvance up to 25lbs	$25.00
Kitten	$75.00	EctoAdvance up to 44lbs	$25.00
Cat	$50.00	EctoAdvance up to 80lbs	$30.00
Hold	$20.00	EctoAdvance up to 132 lbs	$35.00

Canary	$20.00	Tri-heart up to 25lbs	$17.00
Chicken	$10.00	Tri-heart up to 50lbs	$23.00
Cockatiel	$50.00	Tri-heart up to 100lbs	$30.00
Cockatoo	$350.00
Dove	$15.00	Extras
Duck	$10.00
Finch	$15.00	Transfer unaltered	$15.00
Goose	$10.00	Transfer we fix	$40.00
Love Bird	$15.00	Transfer microchip	$12.00
McCaw	$400.00
Parakeet	$15.00	Return to owner (1 day)	$25.00
Parrot	$250.00	Boarding (after 1 day)	$20.00

		Turn in dog Kent County	$20.00
Small Rodent	$5.00	Turn in dog SC or NCC	$40.00
Iguana	$60.00	Turn in cat Kent County	$20.00
Rabbit	$15.00	Turn in cat SC or NCC	$40.00
Ferret	$75.00
		Quarentine - per day	$25.00
Horse	$250.00
		Euthanasia
Surgical		Down only to 25lbs	$25.00
Spay Dog	$175.00	Down only to 50lbs	$40.00
Spay Cat	$75.00	Down only to 100lbs	$50.00
Neuter Dog	$125.00	Down only over 100lbs	$75.00
Neuter Cat	$55.00
XL Fee	$25.00	Down w/Communal to 25lbs	$60.00
In Heat Fee	$25.00	Down w/Communal to 50lbs	$75.00
Spay Momma	$20.00	Down w/Communal to 100lbs	$125.00
		Down w/Communal over 100lbs	$175.00
Clinic Prices
Rabies Shots	$15.00	Down w/Private to 25lbs	$100.00
DA2PP	$15.00	Down w/Private to 50lbs	$150.00
Bordetella	$15.00	Down w/Private to 100lbs	$175.00
FVRCP	$15.00	Down w/Private over 100lbs	$225.00
Microchip	$25.00
Dewormer	$20.00	Communal to 25lbs	$40.00
Nail Trim	$20.00	Communal to 50lbs	$60.00
Ear Cleaner	$20.00	Communal to 100lbs	$80.00
Exam/Testing	$50.00	Communal over 100lbs	$100.00

		Private cremation to 25lbs	$90.00
		Private cremation to 50lbs	$125.00
		Private cremation to 100lbs	$150.00
		Private cremation over 100lbs	$200.00

KCSPCA Pets of the Week

May 2, 2013

Happy Purrrrs to all of Delaware! My name is "Sweetie" & I am a domestic short-hair orange/red & white female tabby who is about 5 months of age. I am very sweet & will talk to you a lot! I purr all the time too! I would love a "furever" home so please consider me for adoption today.

April 24, 2013

Hi! My new name is "Ocean". I am about 1 - 2 years old & appear to be a chihuahua /min pin mix. I was found as a stray, I'm a bit shy at first but do warm up VERY QUICKLY!". I appear to be housebroken but may need some help with that. Please find room in your home for me.... High fives to all, Ocean.

April 3, 2013

Hi Delaware!
We are 9 week-old female kittens. I am Bryn ...

And my sister is Calla.

We are very sweet & energetic & love to play!
We were spayed yesterday so we are now looking for our "furever-after" homes!
Please consider us for adoption into your life!
Purrs to all - Bryn & Calla

March 27, 2013

mandi-298515

Hello, my new name is Mandi. I seem to be about 3 - 4 years old. I was found as a stray dog running the streets hoping to find my owners. I never did and so the nice animal control officer brought me to the shelter. I am now hoping for a new family to love me & take me to a "furever" home of my own! I warm up to people very quickly. Please consider me for adoption. I am very loving and can't wait to snuggle with my new owner! High fives to all -- Mandi the beagle

March 13, 2013

Hello, My name is Peanut & I am a really sweet little guy who just needs a few minutes to warm up to new people. I was very scared but now have come out of my shell & would love to have a forever home of my own. I would do better in a home without young children due to my shyness. I would absolutely love to be adopted by an older couple who would take me with them wherever they travel. I ride very well in the car & also feel very secure in a small dog crate. Please consider me for adoption! I am just full of love waiting for that special human to share it with! Happy Hugs to all - Peanut the Rat Terrier.

March 6, 2013

Say hello to Joe Handsome...

Hi! My name is JoeHandsome because I am one good-looking man! I had a rough start in life but now am just looking for a home to call my own. I am really sweet & have a really loud purrrr for everyone! please consider me for adoption. While I was once an "outside" kitty, I have REALLY adapted to the inside "good" life. Please come to see if you and I are "purrrrfect" together! Love to all -- Joe

February 27, 2013

Hello, my new name is "Fergie".
I am a little over 4 months old now.
I am a really sweet boy - although somewhat shy & in need of socialization.
Now I am looking for a home of my own with a human to love me! Are you that person?
I will need help with housebreaking but my sweet, gentle personality is sure to warm your heart.
Please consider me for adoption - TODAY!
Love to all - Fergie

January 10, 2013

Hi to all my potential new owners!!

My name is "Kitty" [ Yes, I am a cat!} and I am about 4 years old now.

I had to come to the shelter because the young child in my family became allergic to me. My owner did not want me to have to live in only 1 room for the rest of my life and so ---- he decided to surrender me to the shelter.

I was around dogs and do get along with them. I was not around other cats. I am housebroken, like toys, blankets, playing, children, men & women. Please consider me for adoption --- TODAY! Purrs to all --- Kitty [the kitty!].

January 2, 2013

Hello, my name is Pork Chop

I am 4 years & 7 months old [Born on June 27, 2008.] I am a sweet boy looking for a forever home who can keep up with my HIGH energy level!!
Currently I have an ear infection that is being treated & will have to be watched. I would probably do best in a home with older children because I really LOVE my food & do not like to share it with children.
I also love to play where I can run & stretch my legs!!
Please consider me for adoption... Hugs & kisses

--- Pork Chop the purebred Boston Terrier

November 21, 2012

Hello Delaware! My name is Tinsel and I am the nicest lop-eared, dwarf bunny around!! I am housebroken [YES - I do use a litterbox just like a kitty does] & I am also spayed! I was turned into the shelter because -when I was allowed to roam free in the house - I chew paper & wood in the home. I do need to be in a home who will "bunny-proof" my exercise area and /or just watch me when I am let out to play! I love to be petted and am really a very sweet, loving little lady. Please consider giving me a "forever" home. Hoppy Hugs to all - Tinsel.

November 14, 2012

Hey there everybody! We're Kasey and Kingston. We were found as strays when someone dropped us off at the shelter.
We aren't sure how old we are, but the folks at KCSPCA think we're about 12-16 weeks old. The PERFECT age to bring into a new home.
Being typical puppies, we may need some guidance and training to become house trained. So if you have the time and patience, please consider adopting us and giving us a forever home.
Thanks! Hope to see you soon!

Kasey and Kingston

October 3, 2012

Hoppy Good Morning to all of Delaware!
My name is now Patches and I am a beautiful "Harlequin" [refers to my coloring] dwarf female bunny.
My age is a mystery [ladies NEVER tell their age!] but I am not very old. The nice SPCA staff thinks I'm only about 8 to 10 months old.
I am very sweet and love to be held while my tiny ears are lovingly stroked by a nice human. I am quite tame and very lady-like in my behaviors. I was found as a "stray" [Imagine ME being a stray!] in the Dover city area and now I'm up for adoption where my adoption price is only $15.

Please come see me and take me home with you.

Thanks to all my fans - Patches

September 26, 2012

Hello, my name is Riley. I am 5 years old. I am a sweet boy that is in search of a "forever" home. I am very housebroken and have had obedience training. I like dogs, toys, blankets, playing, riding in the car. children. men & women. NO CATS! I know sit, stay, come, lie down & fetch. I am afraid of the vacuum. I do need a home where they can keep up with my energy! I also have an issue with my ears and getting infections. However, this is typical for my breed. With the proper care and treatment, I will do great in a "forever" home! Please consider me for adoption into your happy home!!

September 12, 2012

Good Day Delaware! My new name is Shaggy and I am a handsome young lad who happens to be a purebred Jack Russell Terrier.

I have LOTS of energy and love people! I was found by the nice Animal Control Officer and brought to the shelter where I met the medical staff who made sure that I have received all the vaccinations I need!
PLUS - the Vet NEUTERED me!

I am adjusting very well to my new life at the shelter but really, really am waiting for a wonderful "forever" owner to adopt me soon. I would prefer a owner who knows my breed and how energetic I can be! Please consider me for your next canine companion! High fives to all - Shaggy.

August 15, 2012

Meow, meow! Hello everyone.

My name is Luna and I am a very sweet, quiet young lady cat who is looking for a quiet home with a loving owner to call my very own!

I am 9 months old and ended up at the Spca shelter when someone abandoned me in a carrier at the front door on May 31, 2012.
The nice staff took me in and made sure that I got all my shots and was spayed by the Vet.
Now, I wait patiently in the cattery for a special someone to realize what a sweet, quiet lady I am.

Please consider me for adoption. I really need a "forever" home this time. Purrs & hugs to all

---- Luna the medium-haired kitty with the bushy long tail that is so-o-o beautiful.

August 1, 2012

Hippity Hop! We are 3 baby dwarf bunnies - in order from left to right - Midnight, Pickles, and Mr. Fluffers. We are 2 months old and now up for adoption. The Nice staff at the Spca will give our new owners information in basic bunny feeding and care - if so needed. Our adoption price is only $15 each! Please consider giving us a home. While we do get along - we're siblings - we would adjust very nice to being the only bunny in a new "forever" home. Please come see us today. We currently are being housed in the shelter's "Exotic" room directly across from the main office at the KcSpca. Hugs to all - Midnight, Pickles & Mr. Fluffers.

June 27, 2012

Hello Delaware! My name is Sandy and I am 8 years 3 months old.

I may be older but I need a forever home. My previous owners had to move and I was not allowed to go to their new home.

I do love attention & love being held! I am good with children but tend to be nervous around other dogs. I also do not care for cats.

I would enjoy a quiet home but I also am quite energetic & require lovely walks with my person!! Please consider giving an older lady a home & I will love you "forever"!!

Sandy the very sweet Pekingese mixed breed lady.

June 20, 2012

Hi to everyone! My name is Snowball!

[Yes, I"m all white] and I am a very sweet kitty looking for a permanent "forever" home this time. I am a "lap" cat and love to be brushed for which I will give you kitty kisses.I am also declawed & about 7 years of age. I am also very laid back! Please consider me for adoption. We would be "Purrfect" together!! Love to all -- Snowball the gracious lady cat.

June 13, 2012

Hi. My name is Ping.

I am a sweet "Chinese Crested" [breed] guy looking for a good home.I am shy at first so I take a while to warm up. Also, since I am hairless, I need sunscreen so I do not burn.I am afraid of loud noises and will hide. I am good on a leash and enjoy toys. I also like riding in the car.I know to "sit" and "come".Please consider giving me a spot in your forever home. I really am a very sweet guy! High fives to all!......Ping.

June 6, 2012

My name is Miya and I have been adopted! My new name is Socks now!

Thanks to all my friends at KCSPCA for finding me a fur-ever home!

May 30, 2012

Hi, I am your Fairy Godmother and I will grant your wish ... a sweet and loving little ol' beagle. Me!

I am always happy and loving with a perpetual smile. I was found as a stray and the kind Spca Staff has determined that I am a senior dog, likely around 8 or 9 years old. But... I have lots of spunk and love to play. I chase toys, run around,enjoy car rides, do well in a crate, and will make you laugh. Please don't overlook me at the shelter --- I know I will make a great pet for you! Love & puppy kisses to all ..... Your Fairy Godmother!

PS ... You can come see me at Pet Smart in Dover any time you want!

May 23, 2012

Hi everyone! My name is now "Puff" and I am a really sweet, special lady cat with beautiful long hair who needs a "forever" home! I am unique in that I only have 3 legs [a rear leg has been surgically removed sometime in my past] but I get around just fine!

I came to the shelter as a stray last month and have quickly proven how friendly I am. How I came to lose my leg is a question that cannot be answered by the staff but ... please don't let that fact stop you from adopting me! I use my litterbox very well and I know that my next owner will love me also. Purrs and kisses to all --- Puff the magical long-haired Pussy Cat.

May 16, 2012

Hi! My name is Duckie.

I am a senior lady who is looking for a quiet, patient, loving "forever" home. I love to lay on my blankets. I would rather be in your lap cuddling than playing. Please consider me even though I am a bit older and have "bald" spots on my back. I am full of love just waiting for you! I appear to be housebroken and really enjoyed all the new people I met today at Delmarva Broadcasting Radio Stations. [Just ask Ms. Lynn how sweet I am!] Love & hugs to all - Duckie the Pomeranian

Click here to fill out an application for your our Pet of the Week!!! (make sure you write in the name of the pet!)

The Kent County SPCA has some exciting events coming up! See our event list here ... Event List

Clear Channel Radio Pet of the Week

92.9 Tom FM
94.7 WDSD
1410 AM WDOV
1450 AM WILM AM

Delmarva Broadcasting Pet of the Week

Eagle 97.7
Cool 101.3
Laexitosa

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Friday, 23 September 2011 00:00 |

Alert: Escaped Chihuahua - Brownie

Brownie an tan and white, male chihuahua escaped from the Kent County SPCA while its owners were redeeming him form the shelter. He is current on his rabies vaccination, but maybe scared of you at first. Last seen in the Barclay Farms area. Could easily go into the Tamarac Development. He is known for climbing as stated by his owner and being able to go over a 6-foot chain link fence. Please contact the Kent County SPCA at 698-3006 if seen or found. Thank you.