A former Auburn SPCA officer has accused Executive Director Nick Lapresi of prioritizing finances over animal welfare.
According to new reporting this week by The Citizen, Tom Adessa, a former humane law enforcement officer for the Finger Lakes SPCA, alleged that under Lapresi’s leadership, cruelty investigations were dropped, and fewer animals were accepted at the shelter.
The SPCA board defended Lapresi, citing his contributions to increased adoptions and fundraising, including efforts to fund a $700,000 renovation.
However, The Citizen reported that Adessa expressed concerns over practices like referring animals to online services rather than sheltering them and claimed this approach conflicts with the nonprofit’s mission.
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