MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) is celebrating 80 years of lifesaving work for animals in need.
The MCSPCA was founded in 1945 by animal lovers and humanitarians with a goal to care for the community’s homeless, neglected and abused animals. During this time, board members were caring for the animals in their own homes. This was the start of a long legacy of animal rescue throughout Monmouth County.
In 1945, the organization was officially incorporated. According to the MCSPCA, land on a former chicken farm was acquired on Wall Street by soliciting donations. The shelter operated out of an old house with wire pens for many years.
Dennis Bailey took over the shelter in 1964 with plans for improvement since board members were taking turns paying the heat and electric bills. They worked with local police as well as ACO Gloria Cook to help shelter thousands of animals.
In 1983, the spay and neuter program began at MCSPCA in order to help local veterinarians.
“Affordable spay/neuter and the prevention of overpopulation has remained the cornerstone of the MCSPCA’s mission,” the organization said.
At the time, the staff grew to 14 caretakers with over 7,000 animals coming in and out of the shelter. Additionally, 600 animal cruelty cases were investigated.
The organization celebrated 50 years in 1995 with the construction of a new shelter clinic, the opening of the Maureen O’Brien Thrift Store and expansion of fundraising events. This also led to the remodeling of the shelter in 2006 under Executive Director Ursula Goetz.
Ross Licitra became Executive Director in 2015 and swiftly began making operational changes as well as how Humane Law Enforcement is conducted in the county and the state. They also began providing animal control services to towns.
A year later, the MCSPCA investigated, coordinated, and prosecuted the largest reported canine hoarding case in the state, rescuing over 270 dogs.
The shelter’s clinic became one of the first full-service animal hospitals operating out of a shelter in the area in 2017.
Today, the non-profit organization continues to operate with its original mission: to care for the community’s homeless, neglected and abused animals. In the past 40 years, staff has grown from 14 members to almost 100 full and part time employees. The shelter has been able to expand its reach and programs throughout the county and beyond for the benefit of animals and community members of all ages.
“For 80 years, the Monmouth County SPCA has been a cornerstone of compassion in this community. Through our adoption services, veterinary care, outreach programs, and education initiatives, we’ve helped thousands of animals and the people who love them,” Executive Director Ross Licitra said. “We’re proud to lead the state in Humane Law Enforcement, setting a standard for animal protection and advocacy. This milestone is a tribute to our dedicated team and the unwavering support of a community that believes every animal deserves safety, care, and a second chance to be loved.”
The MCSPCA continues to adopt out thousands of animals to their forever homes as well as investigate hundreds of animal cruelty cases and respond to thousands of animal control calls. In recent years, they’ve renovated the Vogel Veterinary Hospital, built a barn for additional food storage, and expanded existing programs.
“The Monmouth County SPCA has become one of the most respected animal shelters in New Jersey, serving as a mentor to shelters across the state. We will continue to expand our reach to speak for those without a voice and save more animals,” the organization said.
