We Were There

Who could ever forget that tragic day? It was just one year ago that a massive tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri, killing more than 150 people and reducing a once thriving town to rubble.

Amid the deadly chaos, more than 1,000 beloved pets went missing. It took less than a moment before Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response and a Joplin native himself, deployed his team to help. What followed was the largest animal rescue and sheltering mission we have ever undertaken.

With your support, we rescued hundreds of stranded and injured animals. We built an emergency shelter and managed a medical triage station. We provided food, comfort and love to frightened animals. And, most important, we reunited hundreds of beloved pets with their families.

We won't lie—it was hard. Our team worked long hours and saw tremendous heartbreak. But through our efforts, we also saw tremendous joy. Together we changed the lives of hundreds of animals and helped a community recover its incredible spirit. 

Without you, we never could have helped so many animal and human victims of the Joplin tornado. Please help us stand at the ready to respond whenever and wherever we are needed.

Cagney and Lacy before receiving treatment at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital

Who could starve two puppies? Apparently, Gillian Irving could. On April 20, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Agent Ann Kelly arrested the 27-year-old Bronx woman for allegedly neglecting and starving her two seven-month-old Pit Bulls, Cagney and Lacey.

It was last February when HLE Agents first responded to a complaint that two skinny dogs were living inside Irving’s Bronx apartment. Upon arrival, Agents seized the two emaciated dogs and transported them to ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for life-saving treatment. ASPCA veterinarians determined Cagney and Lacey had been starved—weighing only 16.4 and 15.2 pounds.

After receiving treatment, Cagney now weighs 27.1 pounds and Lacey weighs 26.9 pounds—a 65 and 77 percent increase, respectively. Both dogs are continuing their recovering at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

As a result of her actions, Irving was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Irving is due in Bronx Criminal Court on August 22.

Take Action!
We need you on our side! If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, please report it. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty in your neighborhood. And consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian—together we can fight animal cruelty across the country.

On Friday, March 16, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested a Queens man in the deadly beating of a cat. Richard Ferrugio, 49, is suspected of using a tire iron to bludgeon a black-and-white cat to death on the sidewalk in front of several witnesses—including children—then driving away from the scene.

The ASPCA investigated a call about the beating on March 8 and, after a thorough investigation, identified Ferrugio as the suspect. Ferrugio has been charged with one count of felony animal cruelty and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, Ferrugio could face up to two years in prison on the animal cruelty count.

This alleged animal abuser is now facing the consequences thanks to a citizen who took action. If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, don’t wait—report it!

ASPCA responders, including one pictured here in Joplin in 2011, provide relief to animals across the country.

The destruction is devastating. After a deadly tornado tore through parts of the Midwest, the ASPCA dispatched its disaster response team to bring emergency pet supplies to Taney County and Branson, Missouri. ASPCA officials estimate that approximately 250 to 500 animals have been directly impacted by the storm.

“Many people have lost their homes due to the tornado, and our goal is to alleviate some of the stress for families by keeping them together with their pets," says Dr. Dick Green, Director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team. 

ASPCA responders arrived on the ground on Wednesday, February 29, to work with local officials to assess the situation and establish a system that will provide families with pet supplies generously donated by PetSmart Charities. 

“The ASPCA is working with the Taney County Animal Control to establish a shelter-in-place plan where pet families can request sheltering units consisting of kennels, food, bowls, leashes and collars," explains Green. “The ASPCA will continue to provide ongoing assistance, personnel and resources in Branson as long as we’re needed.”

Additionally, the ASPCA is providing an initial grant in the amount of $10,000 to help animals in need of emergency sheltering and veterinary care. Taney County residents in need of emergency funding, animal shelter units or any animal control issues should contact the Taney County Animal Control at (417) 332-0172.

Stay tuned to ASPCA.org for the latest news about our relief efforts in Taney County.