Investigators in New Jersey have arrested three people on animal cruelty charges for allegedly abandoning dozens of dogs across several towns in the freezing rain.
While some of the abandoned dogs have been recovered safely, authorities in Sussex County continue their search for the remaining canines.
In a statement announcing the arrests, detectives said their search for the dog’s owners had concluded.
The New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office confirm that Joshua Ciemniecki, 19, Robert Ciemniecki, 74, and Kaila McNeill, 30, all Phillipsburg residents, were arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
It was unclear how the three suspects know each other.
According to police, the first reports about the abandoned dogs occurred on Monday, March 16. Two state troopers’ stations fielded calls from Stillwater Township, Lafayette Township and Wantage Township.
“Troopers found dozens of small dogs abandoned at each location in open crates without food or water,” the statement read in part.
Numerous animal control agencies, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and members of the public assisted in rescuing 32 dogs.
Sadly, two dogs were found dead during the search.
“Animal control agencies and local veterinary hospitals are caring for the remaining dogs until they are medically cleared for adoption,” the statement noted.
It took just two days for cops to identify the dog dumping trio. On Wednesday, March 18, through various investigative means, three suspects were identified in connection with the abandonment of the animals.
Ciemniecki and McNeill were arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree animal cruelty and three counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty, while Ciemniecki was booked on one count of animal cruelty.
Ciemniecki was released with a court date, while his co-defendants remain in custody.
It was unclear as of Sunday, March 22, if any of the three defendants managed to retain legal counsel. Plea information was also unavailable at the time of publication.
In New Jersey, each conviction for animal cruelty is punishable by no more than six months.
On Facebook, people were chiming in with their opinions.
“Even the maximum penalty won’t be enough,” wrote one person. “Courts and judges are too lenient these days. Animal cruelty laws are not strong enough.”
“What kind of person does something like this?” asked another.
People who happen to spot any loose dogs in those towns are asked to call the Newton Police at (973) 383-2525.
If you know of or suspect animal abuse or neglect, you are urged to contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals through their website or call your local animal control officer.
