Severely emaciated puppy neglected; authorities investigate.
Authorities in Monmouth County, New Jersey are seeking assistance from the public to identify the individual responsible for neglecting a severely emaciated puppy, which was found on the side of the road in Neptune Township last weekend. The Monmouth County Prosecutor, Raymond S. Santiago, stated that investigators from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) were called to the 1300 block of Monroe Avenue shortly before noon on May 7. Upon arrival, responders were informed by a caller that the tan female pit bull mix puppy, estimated to be between 8 to 10 weeks old, had been found the night before around 8 p.m. near the intersection of Bangs and Myrtle Avenues.
The call to the SPCA was made when the puppy, named “Matilda” by its caregivers, was discovered to be unwell, and that the caregiver lacked the capacity to provide the necessary care required. An urgent medical attention was required and the puppy was transported to the SPCA shelter. A video posted on social media by the SPCA indicates that upon arrival, Matilda was curled in a fetal position, unable to move, and suffering from severe dehydration and hunger. However, by Wednesday, Matilda has shown some improvement, and had begun eating and socializing with other dogs at the shelter.
“The degree of neglect this defenseless puppy endured to wind up in the state she is currently in is, in a word, unfathomable,” Prosecutor Santiago stated before pleading with members of the public to offer any information that might help locate the person responsible for the neglect. Investigators can be contacted via 732-440-1539 if anyone has information about the culprit.
Anyone found responsible may be subject to ‘third- and fourth-degree criminal offenses’ under the animal cruelty charges in New Jersey law, with a potential maximum sentence of five years in the state prison. Meanwhile, Matilda continues to receive medical care at the SPCA shelter and is expected to make a full recovery.
The case of Matilda has further brought to light the issue of animal abuse and neglect, highlighting the need for enhanced measures for detecting and prosecuting animal abusers and for raising awareness on animal welfare. The Monmouth County SPCA has been active on social media, sharing updates on Matilda’s recovery while also offering educational resources on animal welfare to prevent future cases of cruelty and neglect. With support and assistance from the community, the Monmouth County SPCA hopes to identify and hold the individual responsible for Matilda’s mistreatment accountable for the act.
Efforts to identify the individual responsible continue, and authorities hope to find the individual soon so that justice can be served and such harm will not be inflicted on any other defenseless animals in the future. With community participation, authorities remain optimistic that the culprit will be brought to book, serving as a warning to those who engage in activities considered illegal under animal welfare laws.
