West Trenton, New Jersey – An investigation following the abandonment of dozens of dogs across multiple townships in Sussex County, New Jersey has led to the arrest of three people. According to the New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, on March 18 Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Robert Ciemniecki, 74; and Kaila McNeill, 30, all of Phillipsburg, NJ, were arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
The investigation was prompted by the abandonment of dogs in Stillwater Township, Lafayette Township, and Wantage Township, Sussex County, on March 16.
A news release states:
Troopers found dozens of small dogs abandoned at each location in open crates without food or water.
Numerous animal control agencies, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the public assisted in rescuing 32 dogs.
During the course of the search, two deceased dogs were found. The surviving dogs were taken to various animal control agencies and local veterinary hospitals for care.
Joshua Ciemniecki and Kaila McNeill were arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree animal cruelty and three counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty and booked into the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing. Robert Ciemniecki was also arrested and charged with one count of animal cruelty and released pending a future court date.
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