Category: Compassion in Action

Cheektowaga Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison, Three Years Probation, and 30 Years No Animals in 2022 Dog Fighting Case

Trisha Yearwood featured one victim from this case, Wade, as her #EveryDog ‘Spokesdog’ of the Week

July 2, 2024

From the desk of Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane – Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 24-year-old James A. Jackson of Cheektowaga was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi. He received a one-year sentence for his conviction in an animal cruelty case, which will be served concurrent to his determinate sentence of two years in prison followed by 3 years of post-release supervision on a gun charge in a separate case.

The animal cruelty investigation began after the Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting on April 12, 2022. The next day, SPCA Serving Erie County investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Andrews Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. Investigators recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.

The defendant admitted that he trained three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting and intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment. Jackson pleaded guilty to all eight counts in the indictment on March 19, 2024.
• Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class “E” felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
• Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
• One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

Today, a final “no animal” order was issued, which prohibits Jackson from owning or caring for any animals for the next 30 years. As part of the sentencing proceeding, the charges against a co-defendant, who was also indicted for their alleged role in the dog fighting case, were dismissed.

In March 2024, Jackson also pleaded guilty before Judge Bargnesi to one count of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) in a separate case.

On May 30, 2023, at approximately 7:29 p.m., Buffalo Police officers stopped the defendant after witnessing him fail to stop his vehicle at the intersection of Genesee Street and Floss Avenue. The defendant, who had a suspended driver’s license, drove off when asked by the officers to exit his vehicle. After causing a collision with another vehicle nearby, the defendant exited the vehicle and attempted to run from police, but was quickly apprehended. During the investigation, a loaded, illegal handgun was found inside of the defendant’s vehicle behind the driver’s seat. The gun was submitted into evidence for further testing. He was linked to the illegal gun through DNA evidence.

“This is a horrible case involving a defendant who tortured innocent dogs and used cruel methods to train them to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this case and their efforts to rescue animals from abusive environments,” said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.

Acting DA Keane commends the SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Investigations Officer Lindsey Wood, SPCA Senior Investigator Bill Heine, Cheektowaga Police Officer Joshua Katashuk, Town of Cheektowaga Dog Control Officer Aaron Kandefer and the Buffalo Police Department for their work in these investigations.

The dog fighting case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit. The gun case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jia-Chir Chiu of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Perna of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.

See below for original story and updates

 

UPDATE, June 11, 2024:  According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, sentencing for James A. Jackson that was supposed to happen this morning was once again postponed until July 2 at 9:30 a.m.

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UPDATE, June 4, 2024:  According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, sentencing for James A. Jackson that was supposed to happen this morning was once again postponed until June 11 at 9:30 a.m.

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UPDATE, June 3, 2024: According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, sentencing for James A. Jackson that was supposed to happen this morning was postponed until tomorrow, June 4, at  9:30 a.m.

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UPDATE, March 21, 2024: From the desk of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that James A. Jackson pleaded guilty Tuesday to all eight counts against him (listed below). The defendant admitted that he trained three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting and intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment. Jackson faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on two files on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Prosecutors requested that the Court remanded the defendant pending sentence on the second file, a gun case, but his release under supervision was continued. The charges against a co-defendant who was also indicted for their alleged role in the dog fighting case will be dismissed after the sentencing proceeding. See the full update here >>>

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UPDATE, Feb. 4, 2024:  From the desk of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Aveon D. Lockhart of Cheektowaga and 24-year-old James A. Jackson of Cheektowaga were arraigned late last month before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging them each with the following offenses:

*Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class “E” felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
*Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
*One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

An investigation began after the Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting on April 12, 2022.

It is alleged that on April 13, 2022, SPCA Serving Erie County investigators executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence on Andrews Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. Investigators allegedly recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.

The defendants, while acting in concert with one another, are accused of training three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting for amusement or gain. The defendants are also accused of intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment.

Lockhart and James are scheduled to return before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. Both defendants were released on their own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

“These defendants are accused of using cruel methods to train these dogs to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this case and other animal cruelty investigations,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn.

DA Flynn commends the SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Investigations Officer Lindsey Wood, Cheektowaga Police Officer Joshua Katashuk and Town of Cheektowaga Dog Control Officer Aaron Kandefer for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey 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.

Updates on this story will be provided as they become available.

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UPDATE, Nov. 1, 2022: Wade was ADOPTED! After 202 days with us at the SPCA, this loving boy, who somehow lived through the most barbaric cruelty imaginable…who we never thought would survive…found his place in the world, and in two special hearts!

We were honored to meet the warm, caring, compassionate Frank and Brenda of a Buffalo suburb last week, and when they met Wade, it was an instant love connection.

Today, Wade survived again! He made it through all the tears and goodbyes and hugs and kisses, and he has officially started his brand-new life, a life Frank and Brenda plan on filling with…well…more hugs and kisses!

Be a good boy, Wade, and to Frank and Brenda, our warmest gratitude for making this boy the newest member of your family!

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July 23, 2022: Watch Trisha Talk About Wade & the SPCA >>>

From Animal Cruelty Victim to Adoptee to Trisha Yearwood’s #EVERYDOG, Wade has Stepped His Way to the Top!

By:  Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
July 22, 2022

Avid country music fans already know Garth Brooks will be performing in Buffalo tomorrow night!

As part of a new program in conjunction with Brooks’ stadium tour this summer, his wife, 3x Grammy (along with a host of CMAs and ACM Awards!) winner TRISHA YEARWOOD wants to help every dog find a loving home!

Through her new #EveryDog effort, Trisha uses her Trisha Yearwood Pet Collection platforms to showcase an adoptable dog at an organization located in each tour city. The #EveryDog Campaign (details here >>) uses a dog in that community as a “spokesdog” for getting EVERY dog in that community (and beyond!) adopted!

According to the website, #EveryDog is described this way:

After doing some research, Trisha and her marketing team picked the SPCA Serving Erie County as the representative organization, and current adoptee WADE will be the official #EveryDog this week! It’s an all-new effort that kicked off mid-April, so we are thrilled to be part of the program’s beginnings!

And the exciting news doesn’t end there! Trisha will be talking about our SPCA and Wade on Facebook Live Saturday morning, July 23, during her “Coffee Talk” session!

Now, we can’t tell you too much about Wade’s journey YET. We want to leave that to Trisha. But we promise you…it’s heroic and touching and emotional and most of all, a story of hope and healing.

Be sure to tune in to Facebook at around 11:30/11:35 a.m. Saturday! Trisha should be live with Coffee Talk at approximately 11:40 a.m., and you can watch at https://www.facebook.com/TrishaYearwood.  [UPDATE: See Trisha talk about Wade and the SPCA Serving Erie County at bit.ly/TrishaYearwoodFeaturesWADE72322]

You’ll see Wade’s photo, hear more about his story, and you may even see some videos of our staff members (Lindsey Wood, Dr. Allison Keane, Mindy Ussrey, Phil Weiss, and Cait Daly) talking about Wade’s heroic journey! We know this touch of country will find him a loving home!

Learn a little more about handsome Wade right here >>>! Interested in adopting during our Summer of Love? Then come on in to our 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter and meet him in person; Wade’s adoption fee is half-off! Remember, as Trisha says, what’s meant to be will always find a way! We guarantee, you’ll fall “…in love with the boy!” 

Local Students Protect Dogs from Extreme Buffalo Cold & Heat by Building Doghouses for SPCA’s Operation P.A.W.S.

June 11, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Students from The Foundry and OLV Human Services presented student-built doghouses to the SPCA Serving Erie County today as part of the SPCA’s Operation P.A.W.S. (Providing Adequate Water & Shelter) program!

Each winter and summer the SPCA receives calls for service in response to dogs left outdoors in extreme temperatures. Some community members lack the resources and/or knowledge concerning appropriate shelter for their dogs, Operation P.A.W.S. is a program of the SPCA Serving Erie County designed to provide pet owners and at-risk dogs appropriate shelter and other supplies.

This semester, students at The Foundry [ a hands-on education facility dedicated to increasing neighborhood prosperity by empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship ] built doghouses for Operation P.A.W.S. to help the SPCA assist these pets and pet owners.

The Foundry held a ceremony today at its 298 Northampton St., Buffalo location to celebrate the students’ work, and students and staff presented the doghouses to the SPCA

“We’re so excited to build new partner relationships as we work on initiatives designed to keep people and pets together,” says Tyler Robertson, SPCA strategic initiatives program manager. “This relationship with The Foundry is not only valuable to us, it is valuable to every pet owner who will benefit from the hard work of these students, building doghouses to protect four-footed family members.”

Amina Boyd, The Foundry’s education director, says, “At the Foundry, we are dedicated to equipping our students with essential life skills through hands-on learning experiences. Watching them create quality products that positively impact our community is truly rewarding. Their achievements and the community’s appreciation of their hard work make it all worthwhile.”

Sr. Director of Innovative Learning at OLV Human Services Marga McMahon adds, “This opportunity not only allows our students to participate in hands-on learning, but also exposes them to vocational and volunteer opportunities in their communities.”

For more information on collaborating with the SPCA and Operation P.A.W.S. in the construction of doghouses, please contact Robertson at the SPCA, (716) 875-7360, ext. 238.

Find more on The Foundry here >>
Find more on OLV Human Services here >>

#SPCACompassionInAction

SPCA Rescues More Than 150 Animals from Cheektowaga Property

December 15, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

You can help care for these rescued animals >>

UPDATE, MARCH 6 — From the desk of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 24-year-old Kerisa J. Schmitt, formerly of Cheektowaga, pleaded guilty last Thursday morning before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice David Stevens to ten counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law).

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, SPCA Serving Erie County officers responded to the defendant’s residence on Colton Street in the Town of Cheektowaga to perform an animal welfare check. While outside of the home, officers saw numerous farm animals inside of a small garage in unsanitary conditions through a window. [There were also deceased animals found at the property.] SPCA investigators and members of the Cheektowaga Police Department later returned to execute a search warrant.

The defendant failed to provide necessary food, water and care to 156 farm and domestic animals on her property, which included 117 chickens, 18 ducks and geese, 15 rabbits, two goats, two dogs, one cat and one pig [along with the animals already deceased]. The animals were found in unsanitary conditions without proper access to food and water.

Prosecutors requested that the court sentence the defendant to a period of probation. Schmitt, who has relocated to West Virginia, received a one-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine [no part of the fine is realized by the SPCA Serving Erie County]. As a condition of the plea, Schmitt was ordered to forfeit custody of all of her animals [all animals had been forfeited prior to Schmitt’s Feb. 28 plea]. In addition, Judge Stevens issued a “no animal” order, which prevents the defendant from owning or caring for any animals for the next five years.

“I want to thank our partners at the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation and the care they have provided to the many animals rescued from this home,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.

DA Flynn commends the SPCA Serving Erie County, SPCA Officer Melina Homsi, SPCA Agent Molly McLaughlin and the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit and Assistant District Attorney Kristen S. Fischer of the Justice Courts Bureau.

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UPDATE, FEB. 6 — All of the chickens from the Cheektowaga cruelty case have been adopted at this time (the SPCA kept two of the chickens in its farm flock).  Twelve of 18 ducks have been adopted; six males remain available for adoption. Mortie the pig has also found his new farm home. When details are available on the dogs and cat rescued during this case, they will be shared here. There are rabbits from this case currently available for adoption; they can be viewed here >>

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UPDATE, JAN.31 — Kerisa Schmitt appeared in Cheektowaga Town Court this morning on 154 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance and 154 counts of Failure to Provide Proper Food and Drink to Impounded Animal (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law). She is scheduled to return on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 9 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. At the request of the SPCA, Cheektowaga Town Court Justice David Stevens issued a “no animal” order, which prevents Schmitt from owning or caring for any animals while this criminal case is pending. Schmitt also signed over to the SPCA possession of the five animals not previously surrendered: two goats, two dogs, and one cat.

According to a press release issued today from the office of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn, “Schmitt was also arraigned this morning on one count of Petit Larceny (Class “A” misdemeanor) in a separate case. It is alleged that on Saturday, January 6, 2023, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the defendant stole merchandise, with an estimated total value of $205.32, from a store on the 2500 block of Walden Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. The defendant is accused of failing to scan the merchandise in the self-check out and exited the store without paying for the items. She was released on an appearance ticket.”

The release continued, “At her arraignment today, our office requested that the Court set bail at $10,000 cash or bond under Penal Law 510.10(4)(t) based upon the defendant’s previous failure to appear and her intent to move to West Virginia. The Court released the defendant on her own recognizance, but issued a verbal warning that any future failure to appear will result in a warrant and bail. Schmitt is also scheduled to return on this case on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.”

“I want to thank our partners at the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation and the care they have provided to the many animals rescued from this home,” said Erie County DA John Flynn. 

DA Flynn also commended the SPCA Serving Erie County, SPCA Officer Melina Homsi, SPCA Agent Molly McLaughlin and the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.

Additional updates will be posted here when available.

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UPDATE, JAN. 19 — The warrant for Schmitt’s arrest has been rescinded, according to reports received by the SPCA this afternoon, due to miscommunication regarding the open status of the courts. The new appearance date is January 31. One of two rabbits described below as having serious health-related complications upon rescue reportedly did not respond to treatment and, sadly, has been euthanized for humane reasons. The other is showing signs of responding to treatment and is currently in a foster home with an SPCA staff member.

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UPDATE, JAN. 18 — Kerisa Schmitt failed to appear in Cheektowaga Town Court this morning.  Justice David Stevens has issued a warrant for Schmitt’s arrest. Updates on this story will be posted here when available.

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UPDATE, JAN. 4 — Kerisa Schmitt was scheduled to appear in Cheektowaga Town Court this morning, but did not appear. The SPCA has filed 308 Class A misdemeanor charges. Recently, Schmitt signed over to the SPCA ownership of 151 animals:  117 chickens, 18 ducks/geese, 15 rabbits, and one farm pig. SPCA Educational Farm staff members say 76 chickens have been placed, but 41 of the chickens and all other animals are still being cared for by the SPCA. Schmitt did not sign over ownership of two goats, two dogs, and one cat. Schmitt’s arraignment is  adjourned until January 18 at 9 a.m. Updates on this story will be added here when available.

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UPDATE, DEC. 18 — Veterinarians and SPCA staff worked throughout the weekend to complete medical evaluations on all of the animals rescued from the Colton St., Cheektowaga garage and home. All of the birds were banded by the SPCA with identification numbers. Many of them had animal body scores of one. There is respiratory illness, injuries, and some infection amongst the birds, which appear to be young in age. The goats are being treated for respiratory/lung issues, and the pig has an apparent infection in the scrotum area. These animals appear young as well. Two rabbits are in very poor condition; one has injuries and the other has an unspecified illness related to gastrointestinal symptoms. The other rabbits, the dogs, and the cat are in fair condition. At this time, none of the animals have been signed over to the SPCA. Those interested in fostering and/or adopting chickens and/or livestock can fill out an application here >>  and email to the attention of Educational Farm Staff at farm@yourspca.org; fax to (716) 424-1165; or drop off at 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224. Questions on fostering farm animals? Please email SheilaF@yourspca.org or PatriciaB@yourspca.org.

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Yesterday, officers and agents of the SPCA Serving Erie County rescued more than 150 farm and domestic animals from a Cheektowaga home and garage.

SPCA Officer Melina Homsi and Agent Molly McLaughlin visited 42 Colton Street in Cheektowaga the morning of Thursday, Dec. 14 to do a welfare check on a dog reported to be at the property; the dog was reportedly owned by Kerisa Schmitt (Schmitt’s name was spelled phonetically in an earlier version of this story since SPCA and Cheektowaga officers were not provided identification at the time of the initial investigation).

When McLaughlin heard noises and detected foul odors coming from the garage at the property, she saw through a broken window several farm animals living in squalor.

The officers obtained a search warrant to enter the garage and home. Officers found approximately 138 animals in the garage space SPCA Chief Investigator Lindsey Wood estimates as a 20′ x 20′ area. More than 100 of the animals are chickens that were found crammed into two small makeshift pens, one 3’ x 4’, the other 5′ x 7′. The pens were packed with feces approximately six inches deep.

The SPCA rescued the following*:
From inside the garage, 117 chickens, 18 ducks, two goats and one pig. Seven rabbits were rescued from a hutch outdoors on the property. Two dogs, one cat, and eight rabbits were rescued from inside the home.

In addition to the animals that were alive, there were multiple deceased animals and body parts from deceased chickens throughout the garage.

All animals were rescued from the scene Thursday and immediately transported to the SPCA Serving Erie County’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location where they are being cleaned, housed, and fed, and currently receiving veterinary examinations and care.

“In just 24 hours, seeing a total transformation of the fowl from filth and distress to clean, comfortable, and happy is most rewarding, and why we do this job every day,” says Wood. “Our team worked together well into the night and started all over again today to ensure these animals are shown the proper respect and care they were not given previously.”

Assisting Homsi, McLaughlin, and Wood at the scene yesterday were SPCA Officers Heine, Jaworski, and Laird; SPCA Agents Abrams and Giles; Dr. Jean Feldman, DVM accompanied by a veterinary student; Town of Cheektowaga Housing Complaint/Code Compliance and Fire Company representatives; and Town of Cheektowaga Police, including Officer Jones who worked alongside SPCA officers for the duration of the rescue.

The animals have not been signed over to the SPCA Serving Erie County at this time.

Schmidt was issued an appearance ticket for Cheektowaga Town Court January 4, 2024 by Officer Homsi. Animal cruelty charges are pending.

Updates on this ongoing animal cruelty case will be provided here as they become available.

To help with the care of these animals in need, please visit YourSPCA.org/Donate-CheektowagaAnimalRescue. Gifts of any amount are appreciated.

(*Numbers may fluctuate pending further investigation)

You can help care for these rescued animals >>

View this story in the Buffalo News >>

#SPCACompassionInAction

Severely-Emaciated Dog Found In Back of Van; Animal Cruelty Charges Pending as Teams Work to Save Logan’s Life

February 29, 2024
By: SPCA Communications Manager Bethany Kloc

Help Save Logan’s Life >>

Found during a traffic stop in a wheelbarrow in the back of an allegedly-stolen vehicle, Logan was barely hanging onto his life. He was so weak and emaciated that he could barely move; he could only lift his head slightly.

The SPCA’s law enforcement team was contacted about this heartbreaking case of cruelty by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and representatives from the Town of Concord earlier this week (information on cruelty charges detailed below). Looking into his eyes, we knew we had to do whatever it took to try to save this dog’s life. No matter the cost.

Due to the severity of his emaciation with a body condition score of 1/9, we transported Logan to an emergency veterinary facility for the intensive care he required. Cases of emaciation this severe are so often deceiving, and due to internal complications, a prognosis can change within mere moments.

Today marks a small victory – for the first time, Logan is up with the assistance of the emergency veterinary team. However, his journey to recovery is long, and the veterinary bills have already surpassed $3,000 and continue to climb. We’re committed to helping Logan regain his strength, but we can’t do it alone.

Logan’s life hangs in the balance, and we urgently need your support. Donations will help us save Logan and other dogs in dire need. Please give here >>, and write “Logan” in the comments.

Your generosity can help us provide the care he desperately needs. Let’s unite and give Logan the second chance at life this good boy deserves!

Animal cruelty charges are pending against Logan’s owner, who has already been charged by other law enforcement agencies on additional violations during this incident. Updates on this disturbing story of animal cruelty will be posted here as they become available.

Help Save Logan’s Life >>

#SPCACompassionInAction

BAN CRUEL GLUE TRAPS NOW!
From Peta.org: 

The Case Against Glue Traps

A glue trap is a small board covered with a sticky adhesive designed to ensnare any animal who wanders across its surface. These devices inflict slow, painful deaths on mice, rats, birds, chipmunks, bats, lizards, squirrels, and any other animals small enough to get caught in the glue. They can take days to die of starvation, dehydration, or blood loss, while they cry out in agony. Take steps to outlaw these cruel traps!

Make Your Voice Heard >>

 

PetNotices.com Provides New and Unique Opportunity to Memorialize Beloved Pets

January 12, 2024
By: Media Sales Plus, Inc.

Media Sales Plus, Inc., a leading provider of media sales and obituary notice services in North America, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new website dedicated to pet obituary notices and memorialization located at www.petnotices.com.

WNY.PetNotices.com provides pet lovers and their families with a platform to memorialize their pets for all eternity. The local WNY site will be part of a new global site on the web at www.petnotices.com, thereby filling a void for a global pet memorialization and services platform. Additionally, pet lovers will also have an opportunity to place the obituary notice in their local newspaper (where available, and for an additional fee) as part of an arrangement made by PetNotices.com and many of their affiliated newspaper partners across the US and Canada.

Upon arriving at www.petnotices.com, pet owners will find a simple form that will be used to tell the life story of their pet. All notices will include an option for the pet owner to upload photos, videos, obtain messages from the guest book, and the ability to share the pet notice via social media. The pet notice will then be published on the website for a one-time posting fee of $29.99 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting various pet-related causes in Western New York.

Read more about this new pet memorialization service here >>