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The Jersey City Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Department, Zoning officials, and Jersey City Police, executed an administrative warrant that led to the discovery of an illegal dog breeding operation, according to spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.
Among the animals rescued were seven mixed-breed pitbulls and five exotic reptiles, including a large Columbian boa constrictor, a Savannah monitor lizard, a tortoise, and two large bearded dragons. The animals were removed from the property and are now receiving care at the city’s animal shelter, officials said.
Two men, ages 34 and 39, were issued summonses for animal cruelty, specifically for maintaining unsanitary living conditions for multiple animals. They also face several state and local ordinance violations, authorities said.
Municipal Prosecutor Jake Hudnut praised the collaboration between the Health and Police Departments, emphasizing the city’s leadership in addressing animal welfare. “Since the state moved animal welfare and abuse investigations under local law enforcement in 2018, Jersey City has led statewide in this space. The cooperation at the scene was remarkable, ensuring these animals are now safe, secure, and receiving the care they deserve,” Hudnut said.
The animals are being triaged and examined at the city’s shelter, which has seen significant improvements since Jersey City assumed control of Animal Control operations, officials noted.
For those interested in adopting animals like the ones rescued in this case, visit JCNJ.org/adopt.
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