Two Brick residents are indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury charging them with one county of animal cruelty for allegedly leaving a thirteen-month old pit-bull outside of their townhouse balcony for hours in 99 degree heat in July of 2018, announced Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.

Jonathon Correa and Kiara Martinez, both of Brick Township were charged with Animal Cruelty in violation of N.J.S.A.4:22-17c(2), a Third Degree Crime.

Jonathon Correa of Brick Township. (NJ DMV)
Jonathon Correa of Brick Township. (NJ DMV)
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The indictment alleges that on or about July 1, 2018 in Brick they left their dog, Princess, a thirteen-month-old Pit bull, outside on their townhome balcony on Northrup Drive for hours, unattended, as temperatures reached upwards of ninety-nine degrees Fahrenheit.

Several neighbors saw Princess in distress and called Brick Township Police.

Brick Police Officer John Scott arrived on the scene where residents were assisting a dog who had been left out on the second floor fire escape of the residence.

The dog's owner/resident couldn't be found at that time.

The dog, believed was unconscious and in severe distress.

K-9 Officers Sgt. Paul Catalina and Officer Keith Prendeville then arrived and quickly accessed the dog's condition and with the assistance of neighbors tried to cool the dog with water.

Kiara Martinez of Brick Township. (NJ DMV)
Kiara Martinez of Brick Township. (NJ DMV)
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The dog was then lowered down to the ground in its cage and wrapped in a wet towel.

Officer Prendeville then carried the dog to Scott's patrol vehicle and transported her to the Jersey Shore Veterinary Hospital on Route 70 in Lakewood.

The dog was then evaluated and treated throughout the night for life threatening injuries.

Princess was transported to Emergency Veterinary Service but succumbed to complications from heat stroke.

 

 

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