Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Deandre Rogers, 30, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Erin E. Hart on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).
It is alleged that during the early morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025, the defendant intentionally hit a dog while inside of a residence on the 200 block of Geary Street in the City of Buffalo. The dog, an approximately 9-year-old female Chihuahua named “Bella,” was taken to BluePearl Pet Hospital where she was hospitalized for skull fractures and other serious physical injuries. “Bella” was later transferred to the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County for rehabilitation and adoption.
Rogers is scheduled to return for a felony hearing on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. As a condition of his release, our office requested that the Court impose a securing order that prohibits the defendant from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending prosecution.
If convicted of the highest charge, Rogers faces up to two years of incarceration.
DA Keane commends the SPCA Serving Erie County, SPCA Chief Officer Lindsey Wood, SPCA Officer Meghan Giles and SPCA Officer Tyler Robertson for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.