Dogs, cats and other animals waiting for their forever homes at the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) are in need, too, this holiday season, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is lending a helping hand by collecting needed items during its 11th Annual SPCA Support Drive, running Dec. 1, 2017 through Jan. 2, 2018. All items collected through the SPCA Support Drive will be donated to the Montgomery County SPCA.

The SPCA holiday “wish list” for specific needs includes: dry cat food, canned cat food, canned dog food, laundry detergent and bleach. These needed items as well as toys, blankets, treats, flea and ticket control, and other items are being collected at boxes in the Montgomery County Courthouse, located by security checkpoints at the Main Street entrance and Swede Street entrance as well as the 4th Floor District Attorney’s Office. Too large for drop-off but needed nonetheless is “Triple Crown Equine Senior” horse food, available through Bechtelsville Agway (610-367-2515), which will deliver directly to the SPCA.

The SPCA drive is being spearheaded by Assistant District Attorneys Lauren Marvel and Gabrielle Hughes, who handle animal cruelty cases for the DA’s Office, as well as animal lover and ADA Lauren Alessi. “There is no place morally, ethically or legally for abusing or neglecting animals. We try to ensure that all animals are treated with kindness according to the law by fighting for their humane treatment in court,” said Marvel.

To report suspected cases of animal cruelty, Montgomery County residents should contact their local police department or the Montgomery County SPCA at 610-825-0111.