BUFFALO, NY- A Buffalo man is facing numerous charges for his alleged role in a dog fighting ring.
The Erie County District Attorney's office said the ring was operating on Buffalo's east side.
Joshua Mack, 35, appeared in Buffalo City Court Thursday morning to be charged with four felony counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting and three misdemeanor counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals.
The DA's Office says a search warrant served at Mack's Roma Ave. home back in March turned up seven dogs and one puppy suffering from various injuries consistent with dog fighting. Dog fighting equipment was also found.
The dogs were taken to the Erie Co. SPCA for treatment and are currently being housed and cared for at a confidential location. Three of the dogs have been signed over to the SPCA.
City Court Judge Kevin Keane signed a six month temporary order forbidding Mack from owning, harboring or having any custody of any animal until his case is resolved.
"Several local agencies came together in this circumstance and recognized the barbarity of dog fighting; it doesn't take long to connect violence to animals with violence to people," said Gary Willoughby, SPCA Serving Erie Co. President and CEO. "When we can move forward with not only misdemeanor charges, but felony charges against an individual allegedly involved in some stage of dog fighting, it's proof that, as a community, we're moving in the right direction."
Mack pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. He faces a maximum of up to four years in prison and/or $25,000 fine if convicted.
District Attorney John Flynn cited NYS Peace Officers and SPCA Cruelty Investigators Tyler Robertson and William Heine for their outstanding work on the case.
