Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Emery S. Kawski, 20, of Tonawanda, has been arraigned before Tonawanda City Court Judge Mark Saltarelli on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law), one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony), one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class “E” felony), and one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law). The defendant was arraigned on Monday, March 17, 2025.
It is alleged that on or about Monday, February 24, 2025, the defendant killed a dog by intentionally stabbing it several times in the torso. The defendant did then place the dog in a garbage tote.
Kawski is scheduled to return for a felony hearing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Kawski faces up to two years of incarceration.
DA Keane commends the City of Tonawanda Police Department, City of Tonawanda Dog Control and the SPCA Serving Erie County 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.