Three people have been arrested on animal cruelty charges after a police investigation into abandoned dogs found across several towns in Sussex County, New Jersey.
Phillipsburg residents, 19-year-old Joshua Ciemniecki, 74-year-old Robert Ciemniecki and 30-year-old Kaila McNeill, were arrested on Wednesday.
Joshua Ciemniecki and McNeill were charged with two counts of third-degree animal cruelty and three counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty. They are in custody at the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing. Robert Ciemniecki was charged with one count of animal cruelty and released pending a future court date.
It comes after police received multiple reports, on Monday, of abandoned dogs in Stillwater Township, Lafayette Township and Wantage Township, Sussex County. Troopers found dozens of small dogs abandoned at each location in open crates without food or water, according to officials.
Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company
Animal control agencies, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and members of the public assisted in rescuing 32 dogs.
Unfortunately, during the search, responders found two dead dogs.
Officials say animal control agencies and local veterinary hospitals are caring for the remaining dogs until they are medically cleared for adoption.
Authorities say the suspects were identified and located through various investigative means.
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