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Animal Cruelty

Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating
Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating Authorities were investigating after a dolphin that appeared to be butchered washed up on a beach in Allenhurst, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the common dolphin's body was discovered on the beach at Allen Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 30. "The animal’s flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and flukes," MMSC said in a Facebook post. "The animal’s organs, except for the heart and lungs, had been removed." MMSC received a report that a dolphin was seen struggling in the surf about a blo…
Five Malnourished Horses Removed From South Jersey Property, Owner Charged: Prosecutors Five Malnourished Horses Removed From South Jersey Property, Owner Charged: Prosecutors
Five Malnourished Horses Removed From South Jersey Property, Owner Charged: Prosecutors A Winslow Township woman was accused of neglecting five horses on her property, authorities said. Dana Grykin, 56, was charged with five counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty, Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 10. Police executed a search warrant on Friday, Oct. 4, removing Grykin's horses from her property on the 100 block of Norcross Road. The state agriculture department assisted the county prosecutor's office and Winslow officers. Investigators said the horses were severely emaciated and dehydrated in a small…
Jersey Shore Man Who Had 157 Cats At Home Indicted, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Who Had 157 Cats At Home Indicted, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Who Had 157 Cats At Home Indicted, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man was indicted after more than 150 cats were found in his home, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 56-year-old Jeffrey Finlay on Wednesday, Aug. 28 for 149 counts of animal cruelty, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Finlay called Brick police to help remove the animals from his house on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Officers found about 157 cats and three dogs at the Mantoloking Road home. It took crews about 24 hours for the pets to be removed and brought to county animal facilities for treatment. Finlay was first charge…
Child Intentionally Breaks Seagull's Wing With Baseball Near Jersey Shore Hotel: Officials Child Intentionally Breaks Seagull's Wing With Baseball Near Jersey Shore Hotel: Officials
Child Intentionally Breaks Seagull's Wing With Baseball Near Jersey Shore Hotel: Officials An animal control group was looking for whoever intentionally broke a seagull's wing near a beachfront hotel in Avalon, officials said. Shore Animal Control responded to a seagull injured near ICONA Avalon, the Seaville company said in a Facebook post on Sunday, Aug. 25.  A child reportedly threw a baseball at the shorebird and broke one of its wings in front of the Dune Drive resort. In an unrelated incident back in July, a Cape May man was accused of decapitating a seagull on the boardwalk in North Wildwood. Franklin Zeigler, 29, was charged with third-degree animal c…
Man Who Ran Cockfighting Ring With Father, Sold Meth In South Jersey Sentenced: Prosecutors Man Who Ran Cockfighting Ring With Father, Sold Meth In South Jersey Sentenced: Prosecutors
Man Who Ran Cockfighting Ring With Father, Sold Meth In South Jersey Sentenced: Prosecutors A Greenwich Township man will spend at least three years in prison after leading a cockfighting ring with his father, authorities said. Jimmy Hadden, 50, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said in a news release on Tuesday, Aug. 13. He must serve at least three-and-a-half years before he can be eligible for parole. Investigators said Hadden and Jaime Ferrer organized the illegal gambling ring involving rooster fights. Hadden was also accused of selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Hadden was given several …
Cruel Man Who Hurled Dogs Over Fence Of NJ Animal Shelter Arrested, Police Say Cruel Man Who Hurled Dogs Over Fence Of NJ Animal Shelter Arrested, Police Say
Cruel Man Who Hurled Dogs Over Fence Of NJ Animal Shelter Arrested, Police Say The man seen hurling dogs over the fence of the Atlantic County Animal Shelter has been arrested, police said, Jahlil McNeal, 23, of Atlantic City, was identified by city police as the man captured in disturbing footage throwing dogs over the fence at the county animal shelter and leaving. McNeal has been charged with four counts of cruelty to animals, failure to provide care to animals, two counts theft of services, and witness tampering. McNeal first abandoned an animal at the shelter after hours on July 15, police said. ACPD's Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Matthew Schmidt, initia…
South Jersey Cockfighting Ringleader Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty Charges, Prosecutors Say South Jersey Cockfighting Ringleader Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty Charges, Prosecutors Say
South Jersey Cockfighting Ringleader Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty Charges, Prosecutors Say An Egg Harbor City man admitted to running an elaborate cockfighting ring at his home, authorities said. Jose Madera, 33, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Aug. 6 to several animal cruelty charges and other offenses, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. A judge had ordered him to remain in jail to await a trial on Tuesday, Mar. 19. Prosecutors said Madera's plea deal calls for him to spend 364 days in county jail and receive up to five years of probation. He would also be banned from owning animals or living with them. Galloway Township police uncovered t…
Man Decapitated Seagull On Jersey Shore Boardwalk, Police Say Man Decapitated Seagull On Jersey Shore Boardwalk, Police Say
Man Decapitated Seagull On Jersey Shore Boardwalk, Police Say A Cape May man was accused of decapitating a seagull on the boardwalk in North Wildwood, authorities said. Franklin Zeigler, 29, was charged with third-degree animal cruelty, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, the North Wildwood Police Department said in a news release on Monday, July 22. Officers responded to a report of an animal cruelty incident at Morey's Piers on Saturday, July 6, and witnesses said Ziegler had decapitated the shorebird. Ziegler was also "irate and uncooperative" with police on an unrelated investigation. Investigators said Ziegler was charged with animal cruel…
Dead Pets Found In Freezer, 36 Neglected Animals Rescued From South Jersey Woman, Police Say Dead Pets Found In Freezer, 36 Neglected Animals Rescued From South Jersey Woman, Police Say
Dead Pets Found In Freezer, 36 Neglected Animals Rescued From South Jersey Woman, Police Say A Galloway Township woman was accused of neglecting 36 pets and having several dead animals in a freezer, authorities said. Nancy Santos, 57, was charged with 43 counts of animal neglect, the Galloway Township Police Department said in a news release on Tuesday, July 2. Breaking AC's Lynda Cohen published the above photo during a court appearance from the Atlantic County Jail. Officers executed a search warrant at a home on the 300 block of Cresson Avenue on Monday, July 1. Police had received reports of several animals living in inhumane conditions. Police rescued 29 cats and s…
Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen will spend several years in prison after admitting to raping, torturing, and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani Mezquititla, 19, was sentenced on Thursday, June 13 to five years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. He pleaded guilty to two third-degree animal cruelty charges in April. Investigators said Mezquititla seriously injured the cat named Ellie after performing "sexual acts" on it, then killed it after restraining and torturing it. "It is virtually impossible to conceive of an inst…
NJ Man, Ohio Pal Created Sadistic Monkey Torture Videos, Feds Say NJ Man, Ohio Pal Created Sadistic Monkey Torture Videos, Feds Say
NJ Man, Ohio Pal Created Sadistic Monkey Torture Videos, Feds Say A New Jersey resident and an Ohio co-conspirator are facing charges for their involvement with the creation of sadistic monkey torture videos involving their genitalia, federal authorities said. Giancarlo Morelli, the Garden State resident, and Nicholas T. Dryden planned to create and distribute videos showing acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent and adult monkeys in March and April 2023, according to Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. The two funneled money through Dryden, who then paid a minor in Indone…
Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen admitted to raping, torturing, and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani Mezquititla, 19, pleaded guilty to third-degree animal cruelty by tormenting, torturing, or unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal resulting in its death, and third-degree animal cruelty by using or causing or procuring the use of an animal or creature in any kind of sexual manner. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the guilty plea in a news release on Wednesday, Apr. 10. Asbury Park police began investigating after someone brought a d…
Accused South Jersey Cockfighting Ringleader Ordered To Stay In Jail: Prosecutors Accused South Jersey Cockfighting Ringleader Ordered To Stay In Jail: Prosecutors
Accused South Jersey Cockfighting Ringleader Ordered To Stay In Jail: Prosecutors A South Jersey man accused of running an elaborate cockfighting ring at his home will stay in jail until his trial. A judge ordered 33-year-old Jose Madera of Egg Harbor City to remain detained pending trial on Tuesday, Mar. 19, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. Madera was charged with several animal cruelty offenses, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, destruction of evidence, and resisting arrest. Galloway Township police uncovered the cockfighting operation at a home on the 300 block of South Bremen Avenue on Saturday, Mar. 9. Madera and 51 …
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…
Animal Control Officer Left Dog To Die In Kennel Dumpster: Mahwah PD Animal Control Officer Left Dog To Die In Kennel Dumpster: Mahwah PD
Animal Control Officer Left Dog To Die In Kennel Dumpster: Mahwah PD 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 Up For Adoption After Escaping Hoarding Situation In Atlantic County Dogs Up For Adoption After Escaping Hoarding Situation In Atlantic County
Dogs Up For Adoption After Escaping Hoarding Situation In Atlantic County Several dogs rescued from an Atlantic County hoarding situation are ready to find their forever homes. Some of the 25 dogs saved from a Galloway home are now up for adoption, the township's police department said on Thursday, Feb. 15. The dogs and one cat were found in poor conditions at a Zurich Avenue home on Saturday, Feb. 10. Officers also discovered a dead dog on the property. The animals' owner, 23-year-old Jason Millar of Wildwood Crest, was charged with cruelty to animals and he was released on a summons. Galloway police said a black-and-white Newfoundland dog named "Moo"…
Starving Dogs Dumped In South Jersey Woods, Owner Charged With Animal Cruelty Starving Dogs Dumped In South Jersey Woods, Owner Charged With Animal Cruelty
Starving Dogs Dumped In South Jersey Woods, Owner Charged With Animal Cruelty A Salem County man has been charged with animal cruelty after New Jersey State Police found four abused and starving pit bulls in the woods, they said. State troopers responded to an animal complaint on Feb. 6 at a home on Fairton-Millville Pike in Fairfield Township in Cumberland County.  All of the dogs are owned by Dale Brown Jr., 43, of Pittsgrove, according to Detective I Jeffrey Lebron, a State Police spokesman. The animals were seized and taken to the nearby South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (SJRAS) in Vineland. The dogs are at the shelter and in need of foster or adopt…
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…
Burlington County Man Sentenced In Stabbing Deaths Of Friend, His Dog Burlington County Man Sentenced In Stabbing Deaths Of Friend, His Dog
Burlington County Man Sentenced In Stabbing Deaths Of Friend, His Dog A 27-year-old man from Evesham has been sentenced to 34 years in New Jersey State Prison without parole for fatally stabbing a friend, as well as his dog, while robbing him, authorities said. Donovan G. Hollingsworth was found guilty of first-degree murder, cruelty to animals and other charges in August 2023, according to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw. A judge ruled on Friday, Feb. 9 that Hollingsworth must serve 30 years in prison with no parole eligibility for the murder, then serve an additional four years for killing the dog. An investigation began the morning of…
Dead Animal, 25 Dogs Found In Young Man's Home: Galloway Police Dead Animal, 25 Dogs Found In Young Man's Home: Galloway Police
Dead Animal, 25 Dogs Found In Young Man's Home: Galloway Police A Wildwood Crest man was arrested after more than two dozen dogs and cats were found living in poor conditions in Atlantic County, authorities said. Galloway Township police said 23-year-old Jason Millar was charged with cruelty to animals after officers went to a house on Zurich Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 10, to follow up on an animal complaint. Millar told officers he was the owner of the animals. Investigators found a dead dog, along with about 25 dogs and a cat "with insufficient access to food and water." Animal control officers arrived to provide care for the animals and bring them to …
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…
Jersey Shore Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced Jersey Shore Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced
Jersey Shore Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced A Monmouth County man will spend several years in prison after intentionally killing his cat and assaulting his roommate, authorities said. Christopher Sanchez, 29, of Howell Township, was sentenced on Thursday, Feb. 1 to four-and-a-half years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced. Sanchez pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and simple assault charges on Monday, Dec. 4. Howell Township police were called to Sanchez's home for an "unrelated matter" on Friday, Mar. 31. Officers found the cat's body outside of the home and began an investigation. Investigators fr…
Malnourished Dog Left In Freezing Cold Rescued By Haledon Police, Couple Charged With Cruelty Malnourished Dog Left In Freezing Cold Rescued By Haledon Police, Couple Charged With Cruelty
Malnourished Dog Left In Freezing Cold Rescued By Haledon 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 …
Man Hit Dog With Metal Pipe In South Jersey: Police Man Hit Dog With Metal Pipe In South Jersey: Police
Man Hit Dog With Metal Pipe In South Jersey: Police A 44-year-old man from Atlantic City has been charged with animal cruelty after police found he struck his pit bull with a metal pipe, authorities said. Troy Hollis also was charged with weapons offenses and failing to provide veterinary care, according to Atlantic City police. On Thursday, Nov. 30, police received a message on tip411, the department’s anonymous messaging service, that stated Hollis had struck his pit bull multiple times with a metal pipe, police said. An undated video of the abuse was also provided. It could not be immediately determined that the man in the video was Holl…
Dead, Emaciated Puppies Dumped In NJ Woods Dead, Emaciated Puppies Dumped In NJ Woods
Dead, Emaciated Puppies Dumped In NJ Woods Three helpless puppies, one dead, were left trapped in a basket outside in sub-freezing conditions in Salem County, authorities said. South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter is asking for the community's help in finding those responsible for leaving the emaciated, crying puppies in the woods to fend for themselves. A citizen had heard the puppies crying on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the woods at at Gershal Road and Eppinger Avenue in Pittsgrove, rescuers said. "We can't imagine how someone could intentionally leave them to die," the shelter wrote on Facebook. "These puppies have clearly neve…
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…
Galloway Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty To Dog, 21 Cats Galloway Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty To Dog, 21 Cats
Galloway Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty To Dog, 21 Cats A 34-year-old woman from South Jersey was indicted on 22 counts of animal cruelty, authorities said. Lourdes Martinez, of Galloway, was indicted by an Atlantic County grand jury on Tuesday, Oct. 10, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. Martinez was arrested on July 22 when Galloway Township Police made a warranted search of her home after numerous complaints from neighbors about animals living in unsanitary conditions. Once inside Martinez’s residence, police located 21 cats that were all in need of medical attention. All of the cats were later evaluated by a veterin…
Couple Rearrested In Case Of 100 Dead Dogs At South Jersey Home Couple Rearrested In Case Of 100 Dead Dogs At South Jersey Home
Couple Rearrested In Case Of 100 Dead Dogs At South Jersey Home A South Jersey couple has been rearrested on animal cruelty charges as a woman was found to be posing as an animal rescue worker, authorities said. In August, more than 30 dead dogs were found at a home in Burlington County — and police had said there could be 70 more on the property. Rebecca Halbach, 35, and Brandon Leconey, 32, also had been arrested for endangering the welfare of a child after the harrowing discovery at their Evesham home on the 600 block of Main Street was made Monday, Aug. 28, police said. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Evesham police said that Halbach had posed as a rescue wor…
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…