Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 51-year-old Boyd C. Baker of Depew was arraigned this morning before Depew Village Court Justice Kathleen M. McDonald on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony) and one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor). 

It is alleged that on February 14, 2021, at approximately 10:48 p.m., Depew Police officers responded to a residence on Penora Street after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor. The defendant is accused of hitting his cat multiple times with a baseball bat, causing its death. The incident allegedly occurred in the driveway outside of the defendant’s home. 

Baker was released on his own recognizance as the offense does not qualify for bail. Judge McDonald issued a verbal order prohibiting the defendant from owning any animals.

A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of all charges, Baker faces up to four years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Depew Police Department, the SPCA Serving Erie County and SPCA Investigator Bill Heine for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the DA’s Animal Cruelty Unit.

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