Buffalo Man Will Do Time for Abusing Dog

A 54-year-old Buffalo man is going to prison after pleading guilty to abusing a 20-month-old Chihuahua.

The dog, Susie, was apparently left in the care of Santiago Morales when her owner went to church. The owner returned to find Susie lethargic, her eyes bloodshot, and limping on three legs, according to a release from the office of  Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr.

The Chihuahua was reportedly taken to a veterinarian where it was discovered the puppy had bruises, according to the release.

Morales pleaded guilty to Animal Cruelty and sentenced to six months jail time in the Erie County Holding Center, according to the release.

The judge also issued an order that Morales may not own or possess another animal for the next five years.  

Harming or killing a defenseless animal is against the law, and my office takes that very seriously, “ says acting DA Flaherty, who formed the office’s first ever Animal Cruelty Unit when he took the helm in January. “We will prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”