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Changing hearts still SPCA chief's mission
By LaRita Jacobs, Times Staff Writer
Published February 24, 2008
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[LaRita Jacobs | Times]
Beth Lockwood, executive director of SPCA Tampa Bay, poses with bloodhound, Daisy. Lockwood has seen big changes in 25 years there.
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In the second-story administrative offices of the SPCA Tampa Bay, cats and dogs greet visitors, nap on pillows and cozy up for a scratch on the head. "Everyone takes care of animals here," said Beth Lockwood, executive director. Twenty-five years ago, Lockwood came to the SPCA as the first certified veterinary technician. Soon after, she became the shelter manager. "Getting the board to allow a female manager was a challenge back then," Lockwood said, smiling. Changing people's perspectives has been a hallmark of Lockwood's tenure and remains her goal today. Twenty-five years ago, 15-million animals were euthanized nationwide. Today, the number is between four and eight million. Lockwood credits the increased acceptance of spay and neuter programs and other educational initiatives for the decline. The staff of SPCA Tampa Bay has grown from 25 to 70 with more than 300 active volunteers. Adoptions at the shelter have doubled under Lockwood's leadership. It is the change in community relationships over the years that makes Lockwood most proud. "Now we are looked at as the animal experts, not just a place to drop animals and worry if we would kill them," said Lockwood. Outreach has become a major focus for the SPCA, from educational programs in the schools to animal cruelty investigations. Lockwood has led initiatives to increase the number of pet friendly hurricane shelters in Pinellas county and has been a nationwide leader in hurricane/disaster response planning for animals. Under Lockwood's leadership, the SPCA set up programs to board the pets of people leaving abusive relationships and raises awareness about the link between animal cruelty and human violence. "I want the community to recognize what good work we do and see the value of the human-animal bond," Lockwood said. OPEN HOUSE The SPCA of Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N, will hold an open house honoring Beth Lockwood from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday. Reservations are required. Call (727) 586-3591
[Last modified February 23, 2008, 21:32:41]
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