Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 47-year-old James Craddock of Buffalo has been sentenced by State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to a determinate sentence of two years in jail.

On the morning of September 23, 2017 on Mineral Springs Road and Frank Avenue in Buffalo, the defendant confronted a woman and her dog “Audi.” After a brief exchange, Craddock pulled out a large knife and stabbed the dog.

Craddock, who was a seasonal worker for the parks department, drove off in a City of Buffalo truck before being apprehended by Buffalo Police officers. Craddock was immediately terminated from his position following the incident.

“Audi,” a 9-year-old Pit Bull mix, was taken to South Town Animal Hospital where she was treated for a deep stab wound and blood loss. She has since made a full recovery.

In March 2018, Craddock pleaded guilty to the highest charge, one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, an E felony.

“The actions of this individual were reprehensible and violence towards animals will not be tolerated by this office,” said DA Flynn. “I will continue to aggressively prosecute those who do harm to defenseless animals.”

DA Flynn commends the investigative work of Buffalo Police Department Officers Erica Nowak, Dennis Kessler, Ray Harrington and Detective Sergeant John McGrath as well as SPCA Officer Amy Jaworski.

Assistant District Attorneys Timothy J. Garvin and Meredith M. Mohun prosecuted the case.