DANIEL J. KOWALCZYK accused of causing the death of a dog by leaving him in a hot vehicle

- New York, USA -

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office reports that on November 12, 2025, 29-year-old DANIEL J. KOWALCZYK (pictured), was arraigned before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice John J. Wanat on one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals’ failure to provide proper sustenance.

According to the press release by DA Michael J. Keane, on the afternoon of September 16, 2025, the Cheektowaga Police Department responded to a parking lot on the 2500 block of Walden Avenue for a report of a deceased dog.

On arrival, in KOWALCZYK’s vehicle, officers discovered a deceased 3-year-old Bulldog named Goon. Goon was found inside a cage in the rear cargo of the vehicle where he had been left for more than an hour.

A necropsy performed on Goon revealed that he died “from heatstroke due to impaired thermal regulation”, stated the release.

KOWALCZYK is not behind bars. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. KOWALCZYK is scheduled to return for further proceedings on February 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

According to the DA's office, at the request of its prosecutor, the Court imposed a securing order that prohibits KOWALCZYK from “owning”, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office pointed out in the press release that as are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

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