Couple Charged After Puppy, Dead from Starvation, Found at Lackawanna Home

Lackawanna, New York – A Lackawanna couple is facing multiple animal cruelty charges following the discovery of a badly neglected dog, and a deceased puppy, at their home. Stephen Andres, 42, and Tara Andres, 44, are each charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals (Class E felony under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law), one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance (Class A misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of endangering the welfare of a child (Class A misdemeanor).

An investigation was conducted after Stephen contacted the SPCA Serving Erie County about a dead dog that needed to be removed from his home. Officers found unsanitary conditions at the home and noted that the dead dog, a 10-month-old puppy named Bones, was emaciated and appeared to have been neglected.

Another dog, seven-year-old Diamond, was also in poor condition and was removed and taken to the shelter for care. That dog has since been adopted into a new home.

The couple is also facing a child endangerment charge because a minor was living in unsanitary conditions at the home.

A necropsy on Bones confirmed that the puppy was subjected to prolonged starvation.