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Matthew Savinovich, of the borough of Norwood in Bergen County, New Jersey, was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 6 by officers from the Putnam County SPCA for allegedly killing three chihuahuas and a ferret that belonged to his ex in Lake Peekskill.
Specifically, Savinovich was charged with:
- Felony burglary;
- Four felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals;
- Four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty;
- Four counts of felony criminal mischief;
- Bail jumping.
It is alleged that Savinovich of killing his girlfriend's pets over the course of their relationship from December 2019 to November 2020.
The SPCA said that in each instance Savinovich was alone with the pet and had an excuse for the incident.
Following his arraignment in Putnam County Court, Savinovich was remanded to the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond. An order of protection was also put in place for his ex-girlfriend.
According to officials, as a predicate felon with a long criminal record, Savinovich faces a minimum term of five years in prison if he is convicted.
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