Buffalo man charged with intentionally injury puppy
Nov. 20—BUFFALO — A 35-year-old Buffalo man is facing animal cruelty charges after slamming a 4-month-old puppy to the ground early Thursday morning.
James D. Brown, 35, of Buffalo, was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel P. Davis on one count of aggravated cruelty to animals (Class "E" felony under Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of overdriving, torturing, or injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance (Class "A" misdemeanor under Agriculture and Markets Law).
Buffalo police say that about 3 a.m. Thursday, Brown intentionally caused serious physical injuries to the puppy by slamming it to the ground. He reportedly lifted the dog, a 4-month-old pit bull, by the leash then slammed it onto the pavement near Philadelphia and Isabelle streets. Brown then failed to provide medical treatment for the puppy, which suffered injuries to its rear legs as well as abrasions on its head and legs.
As part of the investigation, the dog was seized by the Buffalo Police Department and transported to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. The puppy is currently in the care and custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County.
Brown is scheduled to return on Nov. 29 for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance.
If convicted of the highest charge, Brown faces a maximum of 2 years in prison.
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn commended the Buffalo Police Department Special Investigations Unit and K9 Unit as well as the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation.
"This is a disturbing case of a man accused of intentionally injuring his own dog," he said. "My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
