Jennifer Sasso has filed a lengthy response to Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s lawsuit against her.

The 169-page court filing by the former city dog control officer contains 21 points of defense and four counterclaims against the mayor. The filing demands dismissal of Wdowiasz’s suit that accuses her of defamation and theft. It also seeks damages over Wdowiasz’s own alleged defamation of Sasso.

The court papers allege that statements Wdowiasz has made in the media, including the OBSERVER, about Sasso are false. The mayor’s statements “falsely accused defendant of theft, misappropriation of municipal property, misuse of donations, financial irresponsibility, professional incompetence, insubordination, dishonesty, unethical conduct, and acting outside the scope of her professional authority, and conveyed to the public that defendant was untrustworthy and engaged in criminal, unethical and professionally improper conduct.”

Sasso’s filing, made by attorney Matthew Albert on May 4, also addresses specific social media statements by the ex-dog warden against Wdowiasz. Sasso alleged the mayor was having an affair with a local fire chief, and alluded to her enjoyment of alcohol.

The court filing states that five individuals, either partially or not named, told Sasso about Wdowiasz’s alleged affair.

In addition: “Defendant further states that she and her boyfriend, Julio Montalvo, personally observed Plaintiff Wdowiasz near Lake Erie…in the company of another male individual during the fall of 2025 and observed conduct consistent with a romantic relationship.” One of the previously named individuals, “Jay,” told Sasso and Montalvo that he thought Wdowiasz was with the fire chief.

Sasso also alleges that allusions to Wdowiasz’s affair and alcohol drinking were already circulating publicly.

With respect to Wdowiasz’s theft and misuse of funds allegations, “defendant states that any animal food, treats and supplies referenced by plaintiff were consumed in the ordinary course of shelter and animal care operations.” Sasso flatly denies removing city-owned property from the shelter after her contract ended March 31.

In addition, a Wdowiasz statement that Sasso took food from the shelter and then took to social media to promote it, “was false and misleading.” The filing attaches an email with former Councilwoman Nancy Nichols, a supporter, where Sasso “explicitly stated that food provided to said resident came from (her) own supply at her own residence.”

Among the points of defense to Wdowiasz’s lawsuit are that Sasso’s “performance under the contract is or was made impossible and/or impracticable”; Wdowiasz has not suffered irreparable harm; Sasso’s statements are constitutionally protected free speech, protected opinions — and true; and Wdowiasz’s claims should be barred because she is a public figure.

It’s stated that “the alleged defamatory statements are rhetorical hyperbole.”