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FROM THE OFFICE OF
ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN J. FLYNN
March 7, 2023
CHEEKTOWAGA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGE FOR FATALLY INJURING HIS TWO CATS
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Moises L. Germanguerrero of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest charge in the indictment against him.
Read the original story here >>
The defendant became the subject of an investigation by SPCA Serving Erie County following the suspicious deaths of his two cats.
On March 29, 2021, the defendant’s girlfriend brought a deceased cat to a veterinary hospital. The pet was taken to the SPCA Serving Erie County where a necropsy determined that the cat died from blunt force trauma to the head. The investigation found that the defendant hit the cat with a closed fist, which resulted in the death of the animal.
On October 18, 2021, the defendant’s girlfriend brought second cat to a different veterinary hospital to be treated for head trauma. The cat was taken to the SPCA Serving Erie County where it was euthanized due to the severity of the injury. A veterinarian at the SPCA determined the second cat also died from blunt force trauma to the head, which was confirmed by a necropsy. The investigation found that the defendant fatally injured the second cat by hitting the animal in the head with a closed fist.
Germanguerrero faces a maximum of 2 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The defendant remains released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
DA Flynn commends SPCA Serving Erie County Officers Jasil Ivory, Tyler Robertson, Lindsey Wood, and Jennifer Maleskis as well as and Detective Terry Griffin of the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.
“This is a disturbing case of a man who killed his own pets. My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law. I want thank the SPCA for not only their work in this investigation, but also for the work they do every day to help animals in our community,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
— Kait Munro | Public Information Officer
Erie County | District Attorney
Dog Found in Buffalo Receives Lifesaving Care at the SPCA Thanks to Cooperation, Concern from Community Members
February 17, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
Contribute to Kenzie’s Care >>
UPDATE February 28 — Kenzie’s health has progressed and she was placed in a loving Lackawanna foster home for further recovery! We’re thrilled over Kenzie’s improved health, and at the end of her foster term (an anticipated April date), we will post updates on what happens next for Kenzie!
UPDATE February 22 — See the latest update on Kenzie here >>
UPDATE February 20 — Kenzie had a difficult Saturday, Feb. 18 when she prolapsed again. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kean and SPCA veterinary staff fixed her prolapse, this time with a more invasive spay surgery, to minimize the chances of an additional prolapse. With full recovery still uncertain, Kenzie is back in serious but stable condition and resting comfortably. It’s unclear at this time whether she will need additional surgery but she will continue to receive fluids, antibiotics, and other supportive care.
Many have asked what could have caused Kenzie’s severe condition. Our veterinary team shares with us that this extreme condition could be the result of several different circumstances, among them some sort of trauma, like blunt force or being attacked in some way; it could also result from straining to give birth, and it can even be parasitic. In Kenzie’s case, with no owner coming forward, all we can do is speculate and focus on getting her out of the woods. Her initial bloodwork was very poor, and the fear of sepsis is very real, so we’re keeping close tabs on her and taking it one day at a time.
Those wishing to contribute to Kenzie’s care can click here >>
SPCA Compassion in Action — A young adult dog is in stable but serious condition at the SPCA Serving Erie County after community members found her roaming the streets of Buffalo in visible distress yesterday.
The dog, now known as Kenzie, suffered what appeared to be a complete vaginal and rectal prolapse and underwent emergency surgery yesterday
afternoon at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location. SPCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean performed the nearly two-hour surgery to reduce both prolapses and replace them. Kenzie is now sutured, receiving supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, and plenty of love.
Dr. Kean says there is concern on the part of veterinary staff over Kenzie’s poor blood test results and the risk of sepsis; should she survive, Kenzie will still be in need of additional surgeries and veterinary care. For now, however, Kenzie, still in serious condition, is stabilized and comfortable. “I left yesterday knowing we did our very best to help save this dog,” says Dr. Kean. “To be honest, though, I’m shocked that Kenzie was alive this morning. She’s a real trooper.”
Shawnay Gray of Buffalo posted photos of the female dog yesterday on a social media account after seeing the dog walking near the intersection of Elmer Avenue and E. Amherst Street in Buffalo. A community member who saw the photos contacted SPCA Dispatcher Nicole Abrams and shared Gray’s phone number; Abrams then contacted Gray, who still was watching the dog, and asked Gray if she could stay near the dog while an SPCA officer was immediately dispatched.
Gray complied, and with her help, SPCA Officer Melina Homsi was able to locate the dog not far from Kensington Ave. “The dog immediately ran up to me,” Homsi says. “She seemed very sweet, and I was able to put her into the truck and rush her back to the SPCA without any problems.”
The SPCA Serving Erie County is thankful for the support of Gray, the caller who shared with us news about Kenzie, the community members who have shown concern for Kenzie, and donors who have made this lifesaving work at the SPCA possible. To be a part of the SPCA’s Compassion in Action efforts and help save lives, click here >>
Updates on Kenzie will be shared here when they become available.
SPCA Animal Academy sessions have been postponed, but there are several other ways your children can be involved at the SPCA!
Kindness Camp: Summer Sessions >>
Become part of the SPCA community today!
AGES 9-11: Limited space remaining T-W-Th.
AGES 6-8: Sold out. Summer Kindness Camp info here >>
A unique learning experience for children with at least one thing in common: THEIR LOVE FOR ANIMALS! Children will learn about a variety of animal-related topics while meeting and interacting with cool animals, learning to understand and appreciate the unique bond we share! Register children for one day, two days, or all days by clicking the image below!
YOU CAN HELP US SAVE LIVES! BECOME AN SPCA FOSTER CARE VOLUNTEER!
Each year, dogs, cats, and other types of animals are admitted to the SPCA and are not ready to be put up for adoption. Foster care is a program specifically designed to place those animals into temporary homes where they can receive the care that they need!
The SPCA covers all 
veterinary care and associated costs, and the best news? When it’s time for the animal to be placed for adoption, foster care parents (or someone they know) can adopt the animal first, before the animal ever hits the adoption floor!
Click the image below to learn more about becoming an SPCA foster parent >>
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR SPCA KINDNESS CAMP, SUMMER 2023 >>
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer