Lackawanna Couple Pleads Guilty for Animal Cruelty

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Stephen Andres, 42, and Tara Andres, 44, both of Lackawanna, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class E felony under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law). Andres and Andres each entered a guilty plea to the highest count in full satisfaction of the indictment.

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, at approximately 3:57 p.m., Stephen Andres called the SPCA Serving Erie County to request assistance to pick up his deceased dog. SPCA officers responded to the defendants' residence on the 2700 block of South Park Avenue in the City of Lackawanna where they saw a deceased dog that appeared emaciated, neglected, and subjected to unsanitary conditions.

The SPCA officers also saw another neglected dog inside of the home, which was taken to the SPCA Serving Erie County for evaluation. The SPCA chief veterinarian determined that "Diamond," an approximately 7-year-old mixed black and white dog, was emaciated due to prolonged starvation. "Diamond," who has been adopted by a former SPCA veterinarian, continues to recover.

The deceased dog, an approximately 10-month-old white and black mixed breed named "Bones," was transported to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy where a veterinarian pathologist determined that his death was likely caused due to chronic and prolonged starvation.

Andres and Andres face a maximum of two years of incarceration when they are sentenced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Both remain released under supervision of the Probation Department. A temporary securing order that prohibits the defendants from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending prosecution remains in effect.

DA Keane commends SPCA Senior Officer Melina Restivo, SPCA Officer Meghan Giles, SPCA Serving Erie County staff and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for their work in this investigation.

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