The Monmouth County SPCA Works to Save and Protect Animals From Abuse

Cruelty cases like this dog, Heaven, are heartbreaking. The Monmouth County SPCA is committed to protecting animals from abuse.

This 7 month old pit bull named Heaven is miraculously improving daily. She was discovered clinging to life when she was brought to the Shrewsbury Animal Hospital near death, malnourished, suffering from a severe skin condition with signs of burns and other injuries.19 year old Tyshon Taylor from Asbury Park, along with his mother and his grandmother were then arrrested at their home on Mattison Avenue and charged with animal cruelty after the animal hospital notified the Monmouth County SPCA's Chief Buddy Amato.

Amato says "What happened to this dog is disgusting." The dog was being kept in the cellar of the home and was drinking orange-colored water. Some of the burns on Heaven's body could possibly have been from cigarettes.

A court date has been set for Nov. 22 and the three could see up to six months of jail time (which could be more if Heaven dies.) The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is going to review the case and is considering making it an indictable offense even if the dog lives.

Amazingly, Heaven is improving daily. She remains anemic but is bright and alert. She is slowly gaining weight. She is getting medicated baths for her skin condition as well as oral medication. She no longer needs to be on IV fluids or IV medication. She is getting much TLC and is using the toys and clothes being sent to her from all over the country. Shrewsbury Animal Hospital very much appreciates the outpouring of love for Heaven from the community and all over the U.S.

The Monmouth County SPCA's Victor "Buddy" Amato is the Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer. He is a police officer who brings a wealth of law enforcement experience and a lifelong dedication to animal welfare. He is surrounded by a dedicated staff and volunteers who receive extensive training in law, identifying animal cruelty, prosecuting animal cruelty cases and courtroom procedure. (NONE of this is funded by anything other than your DONATIONS, by the way.)

The Law Enforcement Division of the MCSPCA is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the animal cruelty laws in Monmouth County. They've handled cases like emaciated dogs who've been starved by their owners, innocent puppies thrown into a dumpster and left for dead, and you'll be hearing about a cat that was found with an arrow through it.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REPORT SUSPECTED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, PLEASE CALL THE STATE'S CRUELTY HOTLINE: 800-582-5979. IF IT IS AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL THE MCSPCA AT 732-542-0040. THEY WILL ONLY ASK YOU TO PROVIDE INFORMATION...BUT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO STAY ANONYMOUS.

NJ law requires that animals have adeguate shelter, food and water. Abuse of an animal includes neglect, inflicting injury, keeping a dog on a very short chain or exposed to bad weather, and animals that look sickly.

The good news is that the MCSPCA has been successful at rehabilitating some of these amazing animals that have come from cruelty situations. Many of these precious dogs that have been through so much are now ready to go to their new, loving families as soon as someone will adopt them! Go see Dax, Puppet, and Kermit and they will melt your heart! It's amazing how these animals still have trust and love in their hearts after all they've been through!