Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 47-year-old James Craddock of Buffalo has pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, an E felony.

On the morning of September 23, 2017 on Mineral Springs Road and Frank Avenue in Buffalo, the defendant confronted a woman and her dog “Audi.” After a brief exchange, Craddock pulled out a large knife and stabbed the dog.

Craddock, who was a seasonal worker for the city parks department, drove off in a City of Buffalo truck before being apprehended by Buffalo Police officers. Craddock was immediately terminated from his position following the incident.

Audi, a 9-year-old Pit Bull mix, was taken to South Town Animal Hospital where she was treated for a deep stab wound and blood loss.

Craddock faces a maximum of 2 years in jail when he is sentenced on Tuesday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. He remains incarcerated on $7,500 bail.

DA Flynn commends the investigative work of Buffalo Police Department Officers Erica Nowak, Dennis Kessler, Ray Harrington and Detective Sergeant John McGrath, as well as SPCA Officer Amy Jaworski.

Assistant District Attorneys Timothy J. Garvin and Meredith M. Mohun prosecuted the case.