Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 47-year-old Andrea L. White of Town of Lancaster was arraigned yesterday evening before Lancaster Town Court Justice Jeremy A. Colby on one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony) and one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).

It is alleged that on July 18, 2022, the victim hired the defendant to board his dog, a female, mixed breed terrier named “Nyxxi,” at her home on East Home Road in the Town of Lancaster while he was out of town until August 1, 2022. When the victim attempted to pick up “Nyxxi,” the defendant allegedly refused to release the dog, valued at approximately $1,300.  

It is further alleged that on August 5, 2022, the victim again attempted to pick up his dog. The defendant allegedly told the victim that she was involved in a minor car accident in the Town of Orchard Park and subsequently the victim’s dog had escaped the vehicle during the collision. The victim reported the incident to police.

During the investigation, the Town of Lancaster Police Department obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s home. Investigators found a total of nine dogs inside of the home, including “Nyxxi” who was injured. Five additional dogs were seized. The defendant was arrested and released on an appearance ticket.

“Nyxxi” was taken to an emergency veterinarian’s office where she was treated for injuries, including a fractured and dislocated left forearm, laceration on her neck and missing teeth.

White is scheduled to return on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. Bail was set at $2,500 cash, $10,000 bond or $15,000 partially secured bond.

DA Flynn commends the Town of Lancaster Police Department their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit and Assistant District Attorney Ryan A. Emmerling of the Justice Courts Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.