Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 54-year-old Santiago Morales of 53 Arkansas St., Buffalo has pleaded guilty to Animal Cruelty before Judge Debra L. Givens and was sentenced to six months jail time in the Erie County Holding Center for beating a 20-month-old Chihuahua. 

Susie the Chihuahua was left in the custody of Morales by her owner while she went to church.  When Susie's owner returned, she found Susie appeared to be injured.  Susie was lethargic, her eyes were bloodshot, and she was limping on three legs. Susie was taken to a veterinarian for treatment.  When Susie was examined further, it was determined that she had many bruises on her body and a broken pelvis. The veterinarian called the SPCA. 

The judge also issued an order that Morales may not own or possess another animal for the next 5 years.   

DA Flaherty commends the SPCA for its assistance in the investigation. 

“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.” 

Justin T. Wallens, Chief of the Animal Cruelty Unit, prosecuted the case.