A former worker in Buffalo's parks department has been sentenced to two years in jail for stabbing a dog. James Craddock, 47, got into a confrontation with a woman on Mineral Springs Road last September. After a brief exchange, he pulled out a large knife and stabbed the woman's 9-year-old pit bull mix, named Audi. He then drove off in a city vehicle before being apprehended by Buffalo police.
The dog was treated for a deep stab wound and blood loss at a local animal hospital and has since made a full recovery.
Craddock, who was a seasonal worker in the city parks department, was immediately fired from his job. He pleaded guilty in March to one count of felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. State Supreme Court Justice William Boller handed down the determinate sentence Tuesday morning.
In a statement, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says his office has no tolerance for violence toward animals.
"The actions of this individual were reprehensible and violence toward animals will not be tolerated by this office," said Flynn. "I will continue to aggressively prosecute those who do harm to defenseless animals."
