Buffalo Man Sentenced for Injuring Chihuahua

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Deandre J. Rogers, 31, of Buffalo, was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to 3 years of probation. As a condition of his sentence, Rogers must perform 30 hours of community service and pay $5,908.49 in restitution to the SPCA Serving Erie County.

During the early morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025, the defendant intentionally hit a dog while inside of a residence on the 200 block of Geary Street in the City of Buffalo. The dog, an approximately 9-year-old female Chihuahua named "Bella," was taken to BluePearl Pet Hospital in the Town of Cheektowaga where she was hospitalized for skull fractures and other serious physical injuries. "Bella" was transferred to the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County for rehabilitation then later adopted by a new owner.

In November 2025, Rogers pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class A misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).

Today, our prosecutor requested that the Court impose a lifetime securing order that prohibits the defendant from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals. A final securing order was issued, which remains in effect for the next 15 years.

DA Keane commends the SPCA Serving Erie County, SPCA Chief Officer Lindsey Wood, SPCA Officer Meghan Giles and SPCA Officer Tyler Robertson for their work in this investigation.

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