Residents' help sought in animal cruelty cases

BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Cruelty toward animals is a crime.

On Dec. 21, Jason T. Reid, of Jackson, was convicted in municipal court of three counts of animal cruelty stemming from an ongoing investigation by animal control officers Joseph Sbano and Robert Pintye. Reid was expected to face sentencing on Jan. 3.

"On Oct. 23 several pit bulls were found on the Cross Street property where Mr. Reid lives," Sbano reported. "There was a 2-year-old male pit bull weighing 40 pounds that was tied on a chain weighing 83 pounds. The dog had an abscess on its neck, along with old bite wounds and scars on its face, head and neck."

Sbano said another male pit bull on the property was extremely thin and weak, with sores on its hindquarters and no water available. Both of those dogs were seized along with three puppies that were being kept in a cage with no shelter or water, the animal control officer said.

All of the dogs were taken to the Ocean County animal facility.

"Today they are thriving," Sbano said. "Hopefully they will be placed in a caring home."

In another recent case, Jonathan Glock, of Toms River, was arrested in Jackson and charged with animal cruelty for attempting to beat his girlfriend's dog to death with a shovel. He is expected to be in municipal court on Jan. 11.

"Neighbors heard the dog yelping and started yelling at Mr. Glock to stop striking the dog, which was a small beagle mix," Sbano reported. "Fortunately, Police Officer (Dominick) Manion ordered Mr. Glock to drop the shovel and step away from the animal."

The animal was transported for treatment by Jackson animal control officer Robin Staleyto, a veterinary, surgical and diagnostic specialist.

The dog, now called Anthony, has been turned over to an animal shelter is doing well, according to Sbano.

"Mr. Glock did state that the dog was having seizures and he was trying to put it out of its misery," Sbano told the Tri-Town News.

"We depend on the residents of Jack-son to be our eyes and ears in fighting animal cruelty and helping lost pets get home," Sbano said. "Jackson animal control officers are also your investigators."

Sbano asked residents who find a lost pet to call Jackson animal control officers at (732) 928-5780.

Residents whose pet is lost may call the same telephone number. Residents will be asked to provide a description of their pet. Owners of lost pets should also pin up posters as soon as possible and place an advertisement in a local newspaper, he said.

Sbano suggested that residents visit the local animal shelter to see if their pet has been brought there. The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility is at 615 Freemont Avenue, Jackson. The telephone number is (732) 657-8086.

He suggested having a microchip placed on a dog or cat as a means of locating the animal. Dog licenses should be affixed to the dog's collar as well.

If a resident loses a pet or finds one after regular business hours, the Jack-son Police Department may be reached at (732) 928-1111.

He said if individuals believe an animal is being abused, they should get as much information as they can, such as the name and address of the abuser and a description of the animal being abused. Also, note the kind of abuse that is believed to have taken place.

Do not inform the person that abuse is suspected because doing so would give him time to clean up the mess or hide the abuse, Sbano said. He said residents should call Jackson animal control if abuse is suspected.

He said people reporting animal abuse may choose to remain anonymous, although he said it would help to have an eyewitness to the abuse available to testify in court if the abuser is brought up on charges.

"We appreciate all the help we get from Jackson residents," Sbano said.