March 2024

Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting and upon execution of the a search warrant at the the residence of Aveon D Lockhart (23) upon which investigators allegedly recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.

Lockhart was charged with:

• Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class “E” felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
• Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
• One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

Lockhart is accused of training three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting for amusement or gain. She is also accused of intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment.

Lockhart was released on her own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.