I want to make you aware of a deeply concerning issue that has recently affected our community. Our main RHSPCA phone number has been spoofed by scammers. Some individuals have reported receiving disturbing calls that appear to come from our number, demanding ransom for their pets.

Please know these calls are fraudulent. They are not from the Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA. We will never call demanding money or threatening harm to animals. Your pets in our care are safe, and our staff is committed to their well-being.

We have taken immediate action, including:

• Contacting our phone provider and vendors to secure our systems.
• Filing complaints with the FCC and notifying law enforcement.
• Issuing alerts to our community through email and social media.

Here’s what you can do if you receive one of these calls:

• Hang up immediately.
• Do not provide any personal or financial information.
• If you are ever unsure, call us directly at [main phone number] to confirm.
• You may also file a report with the FCC at [FCC complaint link].

While these spoofing incidents are beyond our direct control, please be assured we are taking every possible step to protect our community and keep you informed. Thank you for your trust, support, and for helping us share this information with others.

With gratitude,

Huck Nawaz
Executive Director

Original Story written by Mair Famet, featured on WHSV. Read it here

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) — The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA has rescued 52 dogs from a severe hoarding situation in Broadway after their owner passed away, following a series of ongoing recovery efforts that began last week.

On May 11, RHSPCA staff returned to the property and removed eight additional dogs, bringing the total rescued to 52. The animals are currently receiving medical care and behavioral evaluations. Once stabilized, they will be placed into foster homes to begin their recovery journeys.

“Most of them have never left the property where they were found,” said Huck Nawaz, RHSPCA Executive Director. “It’s a scary place to be for dogs that have never been off a leash or known human affection.”

The dogs were found living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, with many suffering from severe health issues and psychological trauma. RHSPCA staff set up a temporary shelter off-site to provide immediate care due to the main shelter now operating beyond capacity.

Thanks to community support, nine dogs had already been placed in foster homes as of Monday, but many more remain in need. The RHSPCA is urgently seeking both foster families and financial donations to support ongoing medical care, food, and supplies.

“We’re actively working on identifying medical and behavioral needs to then place them into foster homes,” Nawaz said. “We especially need fosters who can house these dogs separately from their own pets, so each one can receive the attention and recovery they deserve.”

The organization also needs material donations, such as wire crates and leashes, to help transport the animals.

To foster a rescued dog, visit: https://rhspca-stage-3.stage4.estlandhosting.com/foster/

To donate, visit: https://givebutter.com/zt1qGl

Article from WHSV, read more here

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA (RHSPCA) is inviting the community to participate in a “March Madness” fee-waived adoption event on Saturday, Mar. 29.

The event follows the success of a similar adoption drive on March 8, during which 23 animals found homes. This time, the shelter aims to place 37 pets with new families.

“One of our long stay, dogs that had been here forever, [was] adopted, so we were thrilled about that,” Director of Engagement for the RHSPCA Aaron Cleveland said. “We’re trying to celebrate that success with March Madness and give someone [a] long stay dog that has been here for a year or more”

Adoption fees will be waived for adult dogs and cats.

The adoption event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at its shelter, located at 2170 Old Furnace Road. For more information and to preview adoptable animals, visit www.rhspca.org/adopt.