Tag:

Animal Cruelty

52 Arrested In 'Elaborate' Cockfighting Ring In South Jersey: Police 52 Arrested In 'Elaborate' Cockfighting Ring In South Jersey: Police
52 Arrested In 'Elaborate' Cockfighting Ring In South Jersey: Police More than 50 people were arrested after police broke up a large cockfighting ring in Atlantic County, authorities said. Galloway Township police executed a search warrant at a home on the 300 block of South Bremen Avenue on Saturday, Mar. 9, the department said in a news release. When officers arrived, a large group of people were there and many tried to run away before they were detained. Investigators found an "elaborate cockfighting operation" that included a fighting ring, seating for spectators, and several cockfighting kits. About 50 roosters were found in "various degrees of health" …
Abused, Neglected Dog Found In Fetid Basement Cage, Three Teaneck Family Members Charged Abused, Neglected Dog Found In Fetid Basement Cage, Three Teaneck Family Members Charged
Abused, Neglected Dog Found In Fetid Basement Cage, Three Teaneck Family Members Charged A 68-year-old Teaneck woman and two adult family members were arrested after police said they found an abused and neglected dog who could barely stand inside a metal crate caked with urine and feces in their basement. Robert Claire, Christopher Claire, and Yvonne Claire were all charged with animal cruelty after a tipster led police to the Hamilton Road home, Teaneck Police Chief Andrew R. McGurr said. Robert Claire, 40, refused officers’ commands, obstructing their initial efforts, the chief said. A member of Bergen County Animal Control had to carry the Bull Terrier to a vehicle after li…
NJ Animal Control Officer Left Dog To Die In Plastic Bag Behind Kennel Dumpster: Police NJ Animal Control Officer Left Dog To Die In Plastic Bag Behind Kennel Dumpster: Police
NJ Animal Control Officer Left Dog To Die In Plastic Bag Behind Kennel Dumpster: Police An animal control officer for several New Jersey towns was arrested after leaving a dog to die in a Dumpster at a kennel he owns and operates in Mahwah, township police said. Authorities took Richard A. DuBarton III, 57, into custody and removed 47 malnourished and severely weakened dogs from the Aranwood Kennels after finding them locked outside in freezing temperatures, a Mahwah police complaint says. They'd been left in dog runs "with feces and urine that [DuBarton] failed to clean up," according to the complaint filed in Superior Court in Hackensack. "Multiple dogs were seen shiver…
'Unfed, Unhealthy & Dirty': More Than 90 Dogs, Pups Removed From Sussex Home, Couple Charged 'Unfed, Unhealthy & Dirty': More Than 90 Dogs, Pups Removed From Sussex Home, Couple Charged
'Unfed, Unhealthy & Dirty': More Than 90 Dogs, Pups Removed From Sussex Home, Couple Charged UPDATE: The ASPCA said on Wednesday that it helped remove more than 90 adult dogs and puppies from the Sussex County home of a self-described animal couple who were charged with multiple cruelty-related counts. Two dogs were found dead during a 7 a.m. raid at a Vernon Township home led by the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, Feb. 20, authorities reported. Both Gizela Juric, who founded the Angels for Animals Network in Cliffside Park before moving it to Sussex County, and her boyfriend, Ronald Colgan, were charged with six criminal animal cruelty accounts, the American Soc…
Dogs Saved From Suspected Jersey Shore Fighting Ring Need Foster Families Dogs Saved From Suspected Jersey Shore Fighting Ring Need Foster Families
Dogs Saved From Suspected Jersey Shore Fighting Ring Need Foster Families Temporary homes are needed for eight dogs rescued from a suspected dogfighting ring in Monmouth County, officials said. The Monmouth County SPCA gave an update on Tuesday, Feb. 13 on the dogs, which were recovered from a home on Embury Avenue in Neptune Township on Saturday, Feb. 3. Six dogs were found in dirty crates inside of a garage and two were found on heavy chains tied to dog houses. The county SPCA said the dogs are recovering from being left in poor conditions and freezing temperatures. "Since then, these dogs have finally felt what real love is, and thanks to the outpour of gener…
Eight Dogs Rescued From Jersey Shore Fighting Ring: Officials Eight Dogs Rescued From Jersey Shore Fighting Ring: Officials
Eight Dogs Rescued From Jersey Shore Fighting Ring: Officials Eight dogs were rescued in Monmouth County after a suspected dogfighting ring was uncovered, animal advocates said. According to the Monmouth County SPCA, Neptune Township police responded to a call about animals in distress at a home on Embury Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 3. When officers and SPCA's humane law enforcement division arrived, they followed a concrete path with fresh blood to a backyard garage with dogs barking inside of it. Officers removed the locks and found six dogs inside the garage. They were in separate crates lined with wood chips and dirty from the animals' urine and fece…
Malnourished NJ Dog Left In Freezing Cold Rescued By Police, Couple Charged With Cruelty Malnourished NJ Dog Left In Freezing Cold Rescued By Police, Couple Charged With Cruelty
Malnourished NJ Dog Left In Freezing Cold Rescued By Police, Couple Charged With Cruelty A call from a concerned citizen brought a trio of Haledon police officers to a heartbreaking scene. Outside a home on Southside Avenue, they found "a young gray pit bull collapsed on the ground, severely emaciated and exhibiting signs of frostbite and hypothermia," Deputy Police Chief George Guzman, Jr. said.Her name is Elsa. Officers Nasir Mora and Antonio Parisi and Corporal Andrea Boos provided emergency care and rushed Elsa to a local animal hospital, the deputy chief said. The borough's human law enforcement officer, Corporal April Latona, then led an investigation assisted …
Dozen Emaciated, Neglected Animals Rescued From Newark Home: Officials Dozen Emaciated, Neglected Animals Rescued From Newark Home: Officials
Dozen Emaciated, Neglected Animals Rescued From Newark Home: Officials Twelve dogs and other animals were rescued from dire conditions by American Human Societies and Newark Animal Control last month. AHS said it responded to the home after receiving a distress call and found the dogs, cats, turtles, a macaw, a bearded dragon and a ball python in "horrendous conditions." "All animals were in varying degrees of emaciation," AHS said. " Crates and cages [were] coated in waste." The dogs were frightened but friendly and were taken to the shelter's medical department and are undergoing essential care, including proper hydration and a structured feeding schedule, …
Jersey Shore Man Admits Killing His Cat: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Admits Killing His Cat: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Admits Killing His Cat: Prosecutor A 29-year-old Howell Township man has admitted he intentionally killed his cat with a sharp instrument, authorities said. Christopher Sanchez pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty and simple assault on Monday, Dec. 4, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. The assault charge stems from Sanchez attacking his roommate after killing the cat named Lilith, Santiago said. An investigation began on March 31, when Howell police found the body of the cat outside his home. Sanchez killed the cat two days earlier, Santiago said. Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced o…
State Slammer For NJ Man Who Tortured GF's Cat, Cocked Gun At Different Victim State Slammer For NJ Man Who Tortured GF's Cat, Cocked Gun At Different Victim
State Slammer For NJ Man Who Tortured GF's Cat, Cocked Gun At Different Victim A 30-year-old New Jersey man will be spending several years in state prison for beating a cat so badly the animal had to be euthanized and for holding a gun to a person's head and cocking it when he tried walking away. Michael Ciarla, of Galloway Township, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr., to one year in state prison without parole for aggravated assault, and a consecutive term of three years for animal cruelty via torture, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said. In August, Ciarla pleaded guilty to fourth degree aggravated assault by pointing a fir…
100 Dead Dogs Suspected At South Jersey Home, Child Turned Over To DCF, Parents Arrested: PD 100 Dead Dogs Suspected At South Jersey Home, Child Turned Over To DCF, Parents Arrested: PD
100 Dead Dogs Suspected At South Jersey Home, Child Turned Over To DCF, Parents Arrested: PD More than 30 dead dogs were found at a home in Burlington County — and police say there could be 70 more on the property. Rebecca Halbach, 35, and Brandon Leconey, 32, have been arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and animal cruelty, after the harrowing discovery at their Evesham home on the 600 block of Main Street was made Monday, Aug. 28, police said. Janice Thompson, who runs Tender Mercies Pet Organization, tells Daily Voice three dogs rescued by her org in North Carolina were sent to a New Jersey rescue as her facilities were at capacity. Those dogs, along with puppies t…
Police Sniff Out Dead Dogs Crated In Backyard NJ Shed Police Sniff Out Dead Dogs Crated In Backyard NJ Shed
Police Sniff Out Dead Dogs Crated In Backyard NJ Shed Two New Jersey residents are facing animal cruelty charges after a pair of dead dogs were found dead in crates in a backyard shed. Justina T. Erving, 28, was being held in the Ocean County Jail while Jarriel S. Walton, 29, remained at large as of Wednesday, July 5, authorities in Little Egg Harbor said. Police were called to a home on Tavistock Drive on Saturday, July 1, following complaints of a foul odor coming from a shed in the backyard. There, police found two dogs, both about 1 year in age, dead inside of a crate, inside of the shed "under conditions that indicated cruelty or abuse t…
Jersey Shore Man With 157 Cats Charged WIth Animal Cruelty: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man With 157 Cats Charged WIth Animal Cruelty: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man With 157 Cats Charged WIth Animal Cruelty: Prosecutor A 54-year-old man from the Jersey Shore, who owned 157 cats, has been charged with animal cruelty, authorities said. Twenty-five of the cats owned by Jeffrey Finlay of Brick had to be euthanized, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 4,  Brick police were requested to respond to a residence on Mantoloking Road for assistance with removing an excessive number of animals from Finlay's residence. Police found 157 cats and three dogs living at the residence.  The animals were transferred for treatment and evaluation to the Northern and…
NJ Man Kills Dog During 7-Hour Standoff: Police NJ Man Kills Dog During 7-Hour Standoff: Police
NJ Man Kills Dog During 7-Hour Standoff: Police A 29-year-old Secaucus man was arrested on Sunday, June 4 after killing his dog after engaging police in a 7-hour standoff that began the previous evening.  Police responded to The Harper at 100 Park Plaza Drive after hearing a man making homicidal statements over the phone, officers said. While attempting a wellness check, the man made threats to harm officers, police said. Officers evacuated nearby residents and the Hudson County Regional SWAT team along with a screener from the Mobile Psychological Crisis Unit responded to the scene, police said. For seven hours, authorities attempt…
Couple Who Dumped, Ran From Feces-Covered Puppy At NJ Home Depot Face Charges Couple Who Dumped, Ran From Feces-Covered Puppy At NJ Home Depot Face Charges
Couple Who Dumped, Ran From Feces-Covered Puppy At NJ Home Depot Face Charges Charges have been filed against a couple who police say dropped a puppy covered in dried feces in a Home Depot parking lot in Central Jersey. Police did not identify the man and woman captured by surveillance footage running away from the lab retriever pup, who followed them into the Route 9 Home Depot store in Old Bridge, after dumping her in the parking lot on Friday evening, May 26. "The dog was wearing a red harness and covered in dry feces," police said. "They were driving a black Ford truck, which was pulling a black Griffin trailer. Later, the dog’s empty crate was found in the par…
Details Emerge Around Widow Of NJ ‘Animal Whisperer’ Who Continued Vet Practice Without License Details Emerge Around Widow Of NJ ‘Animal Whisperer’ Who Continued Vet Practice Without License
Details Emerge Around Widow Of NJ ‘Animal Whisperer’ Who Continued Vet Practice Without License The widow of a revered North Jersey veterinarian known as the “animal whisperer” had help from two alleged co-conspirators from New York in continuing to operate her husband’s clinic without a license, it was recently revealed. Alia Muslih, 41, of Montclair originally was accused of posing as a veterinarian following her husband’s death in order to keep the Totowa Animal Hospital open. A massive 77-count grand jury indictment returned earlier this month in Paterson lays out additional details. Included are allegations that Muslih had help from Marco A. Gamarra, 64, of the Bronx and Yaser I…
Starved Puppy Dumped On Roadside Of Jersey Shore Town Starved Puppy Dumped On Roadside Of Jersey Shore Town
Starved Puppy Dumped On Roadside Of Jersey Shore Town An emaciated puppy dumped on the side of the road of a Jersey Shore town will get a second chance at life. The 8-week-old puppy, now called Matilda, was found "skin and bones" with labored breathing, and unable to lift her own head near Myrtle Avenue in Neptune on Sunday night, May 7, the Monmouth County SPCA said. 🚨 Seeking information on starved puppy left dying on the street 🚨 Late Sunday night, our Animal Control Division... Posted by Monmouth County SPCA on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 "On the brink of death," the puppy was rushed to the SPCA shelter for urgent medical care, shaking and…
'Skin And Bones': Multiple Agencies Probe Dumping Of Starved Puppy 'Skin And Bones': Multiple Agencies Probe Dumping Of Starved Puppy
'Skin And Bones': Multiple Agencies Probe Dumping Of Starved Puppy Multiple investigatory agencies are probing the recent dumping of an emaciated Pitbull by a roadside, authorities said. Investigators seek help from the public in determining who may be responsible for the neglect of the severely emaciated puppy left on the side of the road in Neptune Township this past weekend, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. At approximately noon on Sunday, May 7, members of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) were called to the 1300 block of Monroe Avenue in Neptune Township on a report…
NJ Dog Sitter From Hell Had Animals Tethered In Shock Collars During Vicious Attack: PD NJ Dog Sitter From Hell Had Animals Tethered In Shock Collars During Vicious Attack: PD
NJ Dog Sitter From Hell Had Animals Tethered In Shock Collars During Vicious Attack: PD A North Jersey dog sitter from hell has been charged with animal cruelty after a vicious fight led police to five dogs wearing shock collars tethered to a fence in his yard, authorities said. Vickens Moscova was dog sitting last December when one dog mauled another dog to death, police said. Moscova had also been attacked by the aggressive dog, trying to break up the fight, police said.  Animal Control arrived at the house and took custody of the five remaining dogs, keeping the aggressive dog isolated, police said. The five dogs were tied to a fence in the rear yard on a tether l…
Man Dragged Dog From Back Of Tow Truck In Central Jersey: Police Man Dragged Dog From Back Of Tow Truck In Central Jersey: Police
Man Dragged Dog From Back Of Tow Truck In Central Jersey: Police A 40-year-old man is charged with animal cruelty after tying his Siberian husky named "Ace" to the back of a moving tow truck, authorities said. Thomas J. Williams of Monmouth Junction dragged the dog about a half-mile down Henderson Road before other motorists stopped him, South Brunswick police said. The incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7. The dog sustained serious injuries to his legs and torso and was taken to NorthStar Veterinarian Hospital, police said. The dog is expected to recover from the injuries, police said. A condition of Williams' release from Middlesex…
40 Dead Animals Wrapped Individually, 38 Live Dogs Rescued From Pickup In Sussex County 40 Dead Animals Wrapped Individually, 38 Live Dogs Rescued From Pickup In Sussex County
40 Dead Animals Wrapped Individually, 38 Live Dogs Rescued From Pickup In Sussex County Rescuers were able to save 38 dogs and eight cats found in a Virginia woman's pickup truck parked in a Sussex County lot — which was also carrying 40 dead animals, each one individually wrapped and labeled, authorities said. The gruesome discovery was made Monday night, April 9, when New Jersey State Troopers were called to the parking lot of a Marshall's Department store on Hampton House Road in Hampton Township, NJSP Trooper Charles Marchan said. Rescues Unite to help 46 desperate animals discovered in horrific conditions inside a battered pick-up truck. ... Posted by Ramapo-Bergen A…
Asbury Park Teen Charged With Torturing, Sexually Abusing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutor Asbury Park Teen Charged With Torturing, Sexually Abusing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutor
Asbury Park Teen Charged With Torturing, Sexually Abusing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutor An 18-year-old from Asbury Park is accused of torturing and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani J. Mezquititla, 18, is charged with animal cruelty by tormenting, torturing or unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal resulting in its death and animal cruelty by using or causing or procuring the use of an animal or creature in any kind of sexual manner, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation into Mezquititla’s activities was initiated on Thursday, March 2, when a concerned citizen brought the body of a dead cat to Asbury Park Police …
NJ Troopers Justified In Shooting Driver From Poconos Who Shot Dog, Grand Jury Rules NJ Troopers Justified In Shooting Driver From Poconos Who Shot Dog, Grand Jury Rules
NJ Troopers Justified In Shooting Driver From Poconos Who Shot Dog, Grand Jury Rules A country music song played on the car stereo as a Pennsylvania driver who'd just crashed into a ditch off Route 80 shot his dog and was then shot and killed by two New Jersey State Police troopers. The troopers’ actions were justified, a grand jury has found. Panel members reviewed a collection of videos, among other evidence, before rendering their decision earlier this week, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Thursday, March 2. The videos, which can be found here, show the two troopers approaching the disabled vehicle from either side on Starlite Hill Road in the Columbia…
22 Rabbits Plucked From Jersey Shore Backyard 22 Rabbits Plucked From Jersey Shore Backyard
22 Rabbits Plucked From Jersey Shore Backyard Too soon for Punxsutawney Phil. Instead, Toms River police plucked 22 rabbits from a backyard and shed. On Sunday, Jan. 29, Officer James Colline responded to Harrison Road on a referral from Toms River Animal Control. Colline checked the property and found the rabbits on the property. Due to the condition of the shed, Berkeley Hazmat was called to assist in removing the rabbits, police said. The investigation is ongoing at this time.  The rabbits were relocated to the Toms River Animal Shelter for care, police said. Colline is one of the department's HLEO…
Dog Tethered In Below-Freezing Temps For Days Outside NJ Home Dog Tethered In Below-Freezing Temps For Days Outside NJ Home
Dog Tethered In Below-Freezing Temps For Days Outside NJ Home Over the Christmas holiday, a dog was tethered in below-freezing temperatures for days in Monmouth County, authorities said. The owners are facing animal cruelty charges, according to the Monmouth County SPCA. A sweet, senior Rottie named Coco suffered horrible neglect, they said. When the pipes at her former owner's home froze, they allegedly vacated and left Coco outside on a concrete pad, tethered on a short chain and with no food, water or protection from the elements. Coco spent three nights in below-freezing temperatures,  confused and alone. She was discovered by Neptune Townsh…
Dog Ditched By Cruel Newark Owner At Iowa Airport: Reports Dog Ditched By Cruel Newark Owner At Iowa Airport: Reports
Dog Ditched By Cruel Newark Owner At Iowa Airport: Reports A 24-year-old Newark man who tied his 1-year-old dog up outside of an Iowa airport then boarded his flight home is facing charges of animal cruelty, according to various news reports and rescue officials. Officials from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa responded to the call of a dog tied up outside of the Des Moines airport on Thursday, Dec. 29, where they found the pup they've since been calling Allie. The dog wasn't allowed on the cross-country flight apparently because her owner, Charles Bigsen, of Newark, didn't know he had to bring his own crate, WKBN says citing police. And so, Bigs…
Dog In 'Crazy Rescue Ladies' Hoarding Case Reunited With Her Tennessee Owners Dog In 'Crazy Rescue Ladies' Hoarding Case Reunited With Her Tennessee Owners
Dog In 'Crazy Rescue Ladies' Hoarding Case Reunited With Her Tennessee Owners One of the 180 animals rescued last month from an alleged Jersey Shore puppy mill was reunited with its original owners from Tennessee on New Year's Eve. Two women who call themselves "Crazy Rescue Ladies" on social media were charged after authorities found the neglected dogs and cats living in unsanitary conditions in their Jersey Shore home last month, police said. Daisy, a Bloodhound, was reunited on Saturday, Dec. 31 with the Price family, according to the Ocean County Health Department. Daisy had been fitted with a computer chip which led Ocean County officials to contact Daisy's fam…
Dogs From Jersey Shore Hoarding Case Will Soon Be Up For Adoption: Officials Dogs From Jersey Shore Hoarding Case Will Soon Be Up For Adoption: Officials
Dogs From Jersey Shore Hoarding Case Will Soon Be Up For Adoption: Officials Some of the nearly 200 pets rescued from nightmarish conditions at a Jersey Shore home will soon be up for adoption, officials are announcing.  About 135 dogs and 45 cats were saved from the "Crazy Rescue Ladies" shelter in Brick Township after police found the animals living in stacked crates filled with their own waste early this month, as Daily Voice reported.  Now, the Ocean County Health Department says some of those dogs will be available for adoption at the shelters in Jackson Township and Manahawkin.  NEW CATS AND DOGS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION AT THE JACKSON & MANAHAWKIN…
'Crazy Rescue Ladies': 180 Animals Saved From Deplorable Conditions Of Jersey Shore Home 'Crazy Rescue Ladies': 180 Animals Saved From Deplorable Conditions Of Jersey Shore Home
'Crazy Rescue Ladies': 180 Animals Saved From Deplorable Conditions Of Jersey Shore Home Two women who call themselves "Crazy Rescue Ladies" on social media have been charged after authorities found nearly 180 dogs and cats living in unsanitary conditions in their Jersey Shore puppy mill last week police said. Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58 — who call themselves the "Crazy Rescue Ladies" — were speaking to officers in the driveway of an Arrowhead Park Drive home in Brick Township, after law enforcement had been called to the scene on a complaint of a puppy mill around 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, township police said. Current DOGS IN IMMEDIATE NEED OF ADOPTION OR RES…
21 Cats, Two Dogs Found Neglected In NJ Woman's Home, Authorities Say 21 Cats, Two Dogs Found Neglected In NJ Woman's Home, Authorities Say
21 Cats, Two Dogs Found Neglected In NJ Woman's Home, Authorities Say Animal control officers removed 21 cats and two dogs who authorities said were being neglected by a Fair Lawn woman. Julie Alaimo, 37, was charged with nearly two dozen counts of animal cruelty, Fair Lawn Police Sgt. Brian Metzler said. Police found the animals at Alaimo’s home on 30th Street near Raphael Street following a complaint last Tuesday, Nov. 8, Metzler said. Officers with Bergen County Animal Control were summoned and borough police Lt. James Krizek investigated, the sergeant said. Alaimo must answer the summonses in court.
NJ Hit-Run Driver Hid Car In Woods After Crash That Killed Horse, Hurt Teen: Police NJ Hit-Run Driver Hid Car In Woods After Crash That Killed Horse, Hurt Teen: Police
NJ Hit-Run Driver Hid Car In Woods After Crash That Killed Horse, Hurt Teen: Police A 51-year-old Salem County man hid his vehicle in a wooded area after a hit-and-run crash that killed a horse and badly injured a 14-year-old girl last week, authorities in Gloucester County announced. Joseph Devitis, of Upper Pittsgrove Township, was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 21 on charges of animal cruelty, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injuries, and more, for the accident that killed 15-year-old Predator and injured 14-year-old Tatiana Feliciano, according to police and the family of the victims. The accident happened Sept. 13, around 8 p.m., while the teen and he…