Central Cal SPCA slams claim it euthanized hundreds of pets. What started rumor?

The Central California SPCA on Wednesday stridently rejected a claim made on social media that the Fresno-based agency was euthanizing two buildings of pets because its contract with the city of Fresno was ending.

The claim was made on the TikTok platform. Responding on Facebook, the SPCA said:

“While we typically ignore such ignorant rumors, we can’t let this one stand. Anyone can walk into our buildings and see that we are full of stray and adoptable animals.”

Someone calling himself “k9 optima” apparently created the allegation. The heavily-tattooed, tanktop-clad, backward-capped advocate said he was reaching out to Fresno media and city officials in his message. He said that a “rescue-only” building had been completely cleared of animals.

This story was originally published June 29, 2022 at 1:52 PM.