Starved in Buffalo, NY USA ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

Update: April 17, 1998 - All dogs in this case have gained weight, are responding well to human contact and have been adopted to loving homes.

The Story: Police found six starved dogs in a Buffalo, NY USA home the night of March 5, 1998. Two Rottweilers appeared to be going hungry in preparation for dogfights. Police say the other four dogs were going to be food for the Rottweilers. The four dogs appeared to be collies, a Shih Tzu and a mutt.

Police say a neighbor spotted the emaciated dogs in the home of 32-year-old Lennon "Reese" Carr. Buffalo Police Officer Richard Lopez says the dogs were so thin, he could count the ribs and shoulder blades. Lopez says he doesn't know where the dogs came from, but authorities have had several reports of dog-nappings in the neighborhood.

Peaches As When Found By Police

Officer Martin Forero, who assisted in removing the dogs stated these "trained killers" are a valuable commodity among people who run dog fights, and the animals sell for as much as $1,000 "because thousands can be made off them" in betting. He and other officers have found the carcasses of dogs that have been partially eaten and have been killed in dog fights in the Miller Avenue neighborhood.

The SPCA is now treating the animals. None of the dogs are available for adoption while police investigate the incident. As with any evidence seized after an arrest, the dogs must remain available until the case is resolved.

The malnourished dogs are now in the caring hands of the SPCA staff and volunteers. The SPCA estimate that the cost to care for the six dogs will be $3,000 during the first two weeks. Four of the dogs are 10%-50% below their normal body weight, requiring special caging rest and special dietary measures to recover properly.

Erie County District Attorney Frank J. Clark said his office routinely takes a "no-plea posture" in animal abuse cases, and this one will be no different. If convicted of three misdemeanor counts of torturing and failure to care for the dogs, Carr could face up to three years in prison and $3,000 in fines, but Clark said that was unlikely. "Courts rarely impose that kind of sentince in cases like this," he added.

Barbara S. Carr, no relation to the defendant, direcotor of the Erie County SPCA, said animal rights advocates have been pushing for tougher laws to punish people who mistreat animals. She supports a proposed law that would make it a felony for people who repeatedly mistreat animals. Those conviceted would face up to two years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,000-$5,000.

Please write letters to the following organizations letting them know how appalling this crime is. Ask for the stiffest penalty New York state offers. Please speak rationally...do not threaten or call names. These people can help - show courtesy and respect as they try to fulfill their duties to both us and the sad victims, the six dogs.

SPCA where the six dogs were treated:
Email

Erie County Legislators:
Erie County DA Frank J. Clark Website:
No email address available - only phone and fax -
Phone: 716-858-2424
Fax: 716-858-7425
Other Erie County Officals' Names and Addresses

NYS Attorney General - Dennis Vacco
Email

Buffalo Police:
Email

Address of the Governor of New York:
Governor George Pataki
C/O James McGuire
Executive Chamber, State Capitol
Albany, New York 12233

We must speak in one voice and loudly enough for our legislators to hear. Send letters and emails to your legislators - let Washington, state and local governing bodies know we will not tolerate any more animal cruelty. Until we unite as one, forcing governing authorities to change the cruelty laws as equal per state in this country, these horrific abuse cases will continue.