BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Cheektowaga man had pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in connection with a dog fighting investigation.
James A. Jackson, 24, pleaded guilty to the following charges:
• 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)
Cheektowaga Police received an anonymous tip about dog fighting in April 2022.
The Erie County SPCA executed a search warrant at Jackson's home on Andrews Avenue and found evidence of a dog fighting operation inside and outside of the home.
There were three dogs in the basement that were seized by investigators. There were remains of two dead dogs in the backyard that were also recovered.
Jackson admitted in court that he trained three pitbull mixed breed dogs with the intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting. He also admitted to intentionally depriving one of the dogs of food and medical treatment.
“This defendant used 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.
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Jackson pleaded guilty to one court of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in a separate case.
The Erie County District Attorney's office says Buffalo Police officers stopped Jackson after witnessing him fail to stop at the intersection of Genesee and Floss Avenue on May 30, 2023. At the time, Jackson had a suspended driver's license and drove off when officers asked him to get out of the vehicle. After crashing the vehicle, Jackson tried to flee on foot from police, but was taken into custody. While investigating, officers found a loaded, illegal handgun inside his vehicle.
Jackson could face a maximum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on both cases June 3. He was released under supervision.
Related Video:
