Hamburg Man Arraigned on Felony Animal Cruelty Charge for Intentionally Injuring Puppy
UPDATE, August 5, 2022 — Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Kyle J. Ribarich of Hamburg was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to 3 years’ probation.
On November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused injuries to a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy under his care. The defendant threw the dog to the ground and hit the dog with his hand and closed fist several times. The incident occurred inside of a home in the Town of Hamburg. The dog was taken to a veterinarian by the owner and underwent surgery for a broken leg.
Ribarich pleaded guilty to one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law), the highest sustainable charge, on May 20, 2022.
The defendant will also not be able to own an animal for the next three years and a final order of protection was issued for the owner of the injured dog and her daughter.
DA Flynn commends Special Agent William Heine of the SPCA Serving Erie County for his work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
UPDATE, May 20, 2022 — Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Kyle Ribarich of Hamburg pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge of one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals (a Class A Misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law).
On November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused injuries to a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy under his care by throwing the dog to the ground multiple times. The defendant also hit the dog with his hand and closed fist several times. The incident occurred inside of a home in the Town of Hamburg. The dog was taken to a veterinarian by the owner to undergo surgery for a broken leg.
Ribarich faces a maximum of one year in jail when he is sentenced on August 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to remain released on his own recognizance as the charge is non-qualifying for bail.
A temporary order of protection remains in effect for the owner of the injured dog.
DA Flynn commends Special Agent William Heine of the SPCA Serving Erie County for his work in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
November 19, 2021 — Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Kyle Ribarich of Hamburg was arraigned yesterday morning before Hamburg Town Justice Carl W. Morgan on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony).
It is alleged that on November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally injured a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy under his care by throwing the dog to the ground multiple times. The defendant is also accused of hitting the dog with his hand and closed fist several times. The alleged incident occurred inside a home in the Town of Hamburg.
The dog was taken to a veterinarian by the owner to undergo surgery for a broken leg.
Ribarich is scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference He remains released on his own recognizance as the charge is non-qualifying for bail.
Judge Morgan issued an order of protection for the owner of the injured dog.
If convicted of the charge, Ribarich faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
DA Flynn commends Special Agent William Heine of the SPCA Serving Erie County for his work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney 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.
Full story on website of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn >>
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer