The Montgomery County SPCA has reached a settlement with the Attorney General’s office following investigations into mismanagement, animal care practices, and misuse of charitable funds.   Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday, July 8, that the settlement will overhaul the organiza tion’s board of directors and executive staff. It will also increase staff training, require a commitment to improving and expanding services. The SPCA will also pay over $21,000 in penalties and costs.  The settlement came about as a result of a late 2024 investigation into the Montgomery County SPCA. Numerous complaints had been filed regarding poor kennel conditions, inadequate treatment of animals, and insufficient training.   The investigation revealed that from 2021 to October 2024, the organization prematurely euthanized animals and had unsafe and improperly maintained facilities. The SPCA also maintained $67 million in assets and endowments meant to go towards facility maintenance, staff training, and animal care, according to officials. Volunteers at the SPCA reiterated the details of the investigation. In 2024, volunteers reported to NBC10 that the facility’s kennels were aging, with broken cages leading to animal injuries and escapes. They also reported that the organization was identifying larger breeds of dogs as dangerous and euthanizing them, without proper evaluations. The settlement requires the SPCA to replace its Board of Directors, executive staff, and shelter management, bring its facilities into compliance, and review and revise its bylaws and policies.   According to the Attorney General’s Office, the organization has already replaced its board and CEO while its bylaws and policies have been revised and improvements to facilities are ongoing.   “This settlement holds the Montgomery County SPCA accountable, puts important safeguards in place, and serves as a reminder to other charitable organizations that they will be expected to fulfill their mission and comply with the law,” Sunday said.   ...read more read less