Tonawanda Woman Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty

November 15, 2022
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Hilary P. White of Tonawanda plead guilty today to (eight counts of animal cruelty OR disorderly conduct) after being charged by officers at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

On August 13, 2022, the SPCA received a report from an anonymous source who claimed that several animals had been abandoned at a Hillcrest Rd., Tonawanda residence.

After obtaining a search warrant, SPCA Officers Jennifer Maleskis and Leanne Webb arrived at the property and rescued two guinea pigs, three cats, and three dogs left abandoned in deplorable conditions at the residence.

White was located on August 15 and charged by Officer Maleskis with eight counts of animal cruelty. She plead guilty to all counts in City of Tonawanda Court in front of Chief Judge Hon. Mark Saltarelli.

White was sentenced to a three-year ACD, a three-year No Animal Order of Protection, forfeiture of all animals, and an SPCA Animal Awareness Course. A $120 surcharge is owed to the court.

At the time of this writing, the animals are scheduled to be brought back from foster housing situations and will be individually assessed for adoption.