Yankwitt LLP Secures Complete Victory in Federal Pro Bono Lawsuit for SPCA of Westchester

A Yankwitt LLP pro bono team successfully obtained the dismissal with prejudice of a federal lawsuit brought against the SPCA of Westchester. The case arose from an incident in White Plains in which the plaintiff’s two dogs allegedly attacked multiple individuals and another dog. Following the incident, the White Plains police seized the animals and placed them with the SPCA for temporary care and safekeeping. The plaintiff then filed a federal lawsuit against the City of White Plains, the White Plains Police Department, and the SPCA, claiming violations of constitutional rights and seeking the immediate return of the dogs. 

Yankwitt LLP demonstrated early and decisively that the claims against the SPCA had no legal basis. The firm showed that the SPCA was not involved in the underlying incident and was simply providing care for the animals at the direction of local authorities during an ongoing municipal proceeding.

At the outset of the case, the plaintiff sought emergency relief. The court denied that request, allowing Yankwitt LLP to move forward with its strategy. After the firm previewed a detailed motion to dismiss at a preliminary conference, making clear that the claims could not survive, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed all claims against the SPCA with prejudice, a complete victory for the SPCA.

The firm is proud of the pro bono work it does in the Hudson Valley community, including for nonprofit organizations such as the SPCA of Westchester, whose noble mission is to provide life-changing care for animals through rescue and rehabilitation, justice, community education, and successful, lasting adoptions.