Crime & Safety

National Park Woman Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges

The accused, whose first name only was released by authorities, faces nine counts of animal cruelty and was arrested on $16,500 in warrants.

An unidentified National Park woman whom authorities say allowed two dogs in her care to die of starvation was arrested on December 5 and charged with nine counts of animal cruelty.

Many of the crimes, which are third-degree offenses, fall under the Patrick's Law anti-animal cruelty legislation, according to information posted on the NJSPCA Facebook page

They include: torment, torture, the needless killing of an animal or creature, and failing to provide the necessary care to an animal or creature under the care of its owner.

In October, when the incidents were reported to the SPCA and police in Woodbury Heights, a third dog, Taffy, "was found near death and was rushed by Gloucester County Animal Control to the Pitman Animal Hospital," the NJSPCA said.

Her injuries included emaciation, flea attacks, and an ulcerated eye that was "on the verge of rupturing," according to the SPCA.

Taffy spent a week in intensive care at the St. Francis Veterinary Center in Woolwich, and "is currently in supervised foster care and still receives extensive medical care."

The suspect posted bail December 6, and was released from the Salem County Jail pending a court date.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.