Sick animals, deceased dog found in 'deplorable' conditions in Neptune
The owner is facing animal cruelty charges.
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Animal cruelty charges are being filed against a property owner after the remains of a pit bull were found in a garbage can and several other animals were discovered in “deplorable” conditions in Neptune.
The Monmouth County SPCA described the property as a “grim scene” Monday after crews were called there with Neptune Township police in response to an anonymous tip. When they arrived, they found eight kittens in an outdoor enclosure. After being examined, the MCSPCA said all of the kittens appeared to be suffering from upper respiratory infections and were taken to the MCSPCA facility for treatment.
In addition to the kittens, officials said two female pit bulls were found in a chain-link pen that was overgrown. They were living in baby pools and plastic dog houses with no food or water. Volunteers said the dogs were underweight and had missing patches of fur.
“Both females look as if they had been bred multiple times — but thankfully, ultrasound showed no pregnancy,” the MCSPCA said in a social media post.
Workers also found the remains of another adult pit bull in a garbage can on the side of the house, with obvious signs of neglect, the MCSPCA said.
"They came in with signs of malnourishment, signs of just being left outside, skin conditions, fleas on both of them from overall lack of care," said Dr. Samantha Mammen, the medical director for the Monmouth County SPCA.
"Upon the dog's death, he just took the dog threw it in the trash...like you would throw out any other trash. The smell was horrific, and it could be smelled all the way down the street," said Monmouth County SPCA executive director Ross Licitra.
It's another case of animal cruelty and overbreeding in the Neptune and Asbury Park region of Monmouth County, something Licitra says is far too common.
"We see an area of the county where there is a high rate of crime; drug activity comes hand in hand with dog fighting, gambling," he said.
A tip from the public led to the discovery of the neglected animals.
The rescued dogs and kittens are all expected to make a complete recovery.
"We'll get them spayed, we'll get their skin taken care of, we'll get some weight on them, and they should be good to go," said Dr. Mammen.
The 10 rescued animals from Neptune Township will be available for adoption in a couple of weeks once they get their strength. For more information on how to adopt from the Monmouth County SPCA, click here.
