Syracuse University's Student Association (SA) will contribute $1,500 to the Central New York SPCA Medical Fund, and the University's Greek community is pledging additional support, to aid in the veterinary care of an 8-week-old beagle/Labrador mix puppy allegedly injured Monday night by its owner, an SU student.
The student faces a felony count of aggravated cruelty to an animal and a misdemeanor charge of torturing or injuring an animal.
According to a CNY SPCA official, proper surgical treatment for the dog may cost up to $2,000. As of Wednesday afternoon, the SPCA reported receiving about $200 toward its care.
"The student body of Syracuse University-represented by the Student Association, with the support of SU's fraternities and sororities-does not condone the type of alleged behavior that led to the injuries to this puppy," says Associate Dean of Students Joseph Oravecz. "SA and the Greek community are stepping forward to make a commitment to help offset the veterinary costs of the puppy's treatment."
"We find such behavior intolerable, says SA Comptroller Erin Maghran. "As a compassionate student body, we want to do all that we can to combat cruelty to animals."
The SA contribution will be paid from an account established from the proceeds of the sale of the freshmen "Who's New" book this fall, Maghran says. SA will look into fund-raising opportunities to repay the account and to possibly make an additional contribution to the SPCA, she says.
Oravecz has reached out to leaders of SU's Greek chapters, many of whom have responded with interest in raising additional dollars for the SPCA. Oravecz and the more than 40 fraternity and sorority chapter presidents will discuss the topic further at the fall chapter presidents meeting this Sunday night.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Joseph Oravecz can be reached through SU's Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning, 443-2718. Erin Maghran is available through the Student Association office, 443-5350, or via cell phone at (716) 866-0076.
