Defendant Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty Charge for Injuring Chihuahua

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Deandre J. Rogers, 30, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Attempted Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class A misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).

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 in the Town of Cheektowaga where she was hospitalized for skull fractures and other serious physical injuries. "Bella" was transferred to the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County for rehabilitation then adopted by a new owner.

Rogers faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when he is sentenced on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on his own recognizance. At the sentencing proceeding, our office will request that the Court impose a lifetime securing order that prohibits the defendant from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals. A temporary securing order remains in effect.

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 was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Animal Cruelty Unit.