Post by Currmudgeon on Dec 18, 2003 14:35:59 GMT -5
Decision due within day in dog case
Published in the Home News Tribune 12/18/03
Animal-cruelty charge weighed for city official
STAFF REPORT
EAST BRUNSWICK: A decision will be made by tomorrow about filing animal-cruelty charges against a Perth Amboy animal-control officer who euthanized a dog that later turned up alive in a garbage truck at an East Brunswick landfill.
This shepherd-Labrador mix found at Edgeboro Landfill remains at Blumig Kennels in East Brunswick.
Officer Michael Iovine of the Middlesex County SPCA law enforcement said charges could be filed against William "Billy" Paul, Perth Amboy's animal-control officer. "It will take a couple of days to wrap it up," he said.
Based on the outcome of the investigation into whether Paul used proper procedures in putting the dog down, Iovine said he has the option of filing civil or criminal animal-cruelty charges.
Criminal charges, a disorderly-persons offense, carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while civil charges would carry a $250 fine, he said. The charges would be filed in Perth Amboy Municipal Court, he said.
Iovine said the city would determine the future of Paul's employment.
Meanwhile, people from as far away as Orange County, Calif., have called to offer a home to the 5-year-old shepherd-Labrador mix who survived being euthanized and thrown into the trash.
Dave Blumig, East Brunswick animal-control officer, however, said the dog that he calls "Dumpster" but others have nicknamed "Lucky" is not expected to be going to a home anytime soon.
"It might be a long time to adopt her," said Blumig, whose sister Linda runs Blumig Kennels in East Brunswick where the dog is being housed. "We're going to hang onto her for a while."
Blumig said he also has to see if Perth Amboy police need the dog as part of their investigation. The dog was euthanized by Perth Amboy Animal Control before being dumped with the trash and put through a compactor. She was found alive earlier this month in the back of a truck unloading its refuse at the Edgeboro Landfill in East Brunswick.
Police Director Michael Kohut last week indicated his department was investigating the incident as a personnel matter. The Animal Control Office is part of the Police Department. Kohut yesterday said interviews are still being conducted as part of the investigation. He also expects the police investigation to be completed soon.
While Paul declined comment about the euthanasia incident, he said he's proud of the Perth Amboy shelter.
"I love my animals. I'd do anything for my four-legged friends," he said.
On a tour Tuesday of the Fayette Street facility where a white shepherd-mix pup, held at the facility since Dec. 2, was being adopted, Paul cited a cat-isolation room near the front entrance where strays and other cats are held when they first arrive at the shelter.
He said pictures are taken shortly thereafter and posted on the Internet in hopes of returning the pet to its owner or finding a new home. While in isolation, Paul said he socializes with the animals to see if they are people-friendly.
A wall outside the isolation room is filled with pictures of many dogs and cats that have been adopted. Paul, the city's animal-control officer for 20 years, said finding room to house the animals is a problem, especially when people just drop off their pets without warning.
"Abandonment is against the law," said police detective Richard Cielesz, shelter supervisor.
The shelter has 10 dog runs, but only six are currently filled with pit bulls, a boxer and Rottweiler. Several were abandoned.
"We try to find each and every one a home," said Paul, adding a veterinarian checks the animals once a month.
Cats are housed in a room beyond the dog runs. About 10 cats are available for adoption, but some are being treated for colds, Paul said.
"They have to be healthy to be adopted," he said.
Blumig said the shepherd-lab-mix dog, found tossed in with 80,000 pounds of household waste, is now doing fine.
"The calls have slowed down for adoption," said Blumig, adding about 150 to 160 people have called offering to adopt the celebrity canine. The calls have come from Florida, Michigan and throughout the country.
"An Orange County, Calif., schoolteacher was willing to hop on a plane to get (the dog)," he said, adding the dog's plight was broadcast nationally.
Blumig said the dog, which weighs about 50 pounds, has calmed down but is still being monitored. He said she has been skittish at times and growled at one camera man.
When the dog is ready for adoption, she will be placed in a quiet home with no children, possibly with an elderly couple or a single female.
"We're trying to find a good home," he said.
www.thnt.com/thnt/story/0,21282,871932,00.html?sec=main?=centraljersey
Published in the Home News Tribune 12/18/03
Animal-cruelty charge weighed for city official
STAFF REPORT
EAST BRUNSWICK: A decision will be made by tomorrow about filing animal-cruelty charges against a Perth Amboy animal-control officer who euthanized a dog that later turned up alive in a garbage truck at an East Brunswick landfill.
This shepherd-Labrador mix found at Edgeboro Landfill remains at Blumig Kennels in East Brunswick.
Officer Michael Iovine of the Middlesex County SPCA law enforcement said charges could be filed against William "Billy" Paul, Perth Amboy's animal-control officer. "It will take a couple of days to wrap it up," he said.
Based on the outcome of the investigation into whether Paul used proper procedures in putting the dog down, Iovine said he has the option of filing civil or criminal animal-cruelty charges.
Criminal charges, a disorderly-persons offense, carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while civil charges would carry a $250 fine, he said. The charges would be filed in Perth Amboy Municipal Court, he said.
Iovine said the city would determine the future of Paul's employment.
Meanwhile, people from as far away as Orange County, Calif., have called to offer a home to the 5-year-old shepherd-Labrador mix who survived being euthanized and thrown into the trash.
Dave Blumig, East Brunswick animal-control officer, however, said the dog that he calls "Dumpster" but others have nicknamed "Lucky" is not expected to be going to a home anytime soon.
"It might be a long time to adopt her," said Blumig, whose sister Linda runs Blumig Kennels in East Brunswick where the dog is being housed. "We're going to hang onto her for a while."
Blumig said he also has to see if Perth Amboy police need the dog as part of their investigation. The dog was euthanized by Perth Amboy Animal Control before being dumped with the trash and put through a compactor. She was found alive earlier this month in the back of a truck unloading its refuse at the Edgeboro Landfill in East Brunswick.
Police Director Michael Kohut last week indicated his department was investigating the incident as a personnel matter. The Animal Control Office is part of the Police Department. Kohut yesterday said interviews are still being conducted as part of the investigation. He also expects the police investigation to be completed soon.
While Paul declined comment about the euthanasia incident, he said he's proud of the Perth Amboy shelter.
"I love my animals. I'd do anything for my four-legged friends," he said.
On a tour Tuesday of the Fayette Street facility where a white shepherd-mix pup, held at the facility since Dec. 2, was being adopted, Paul cited a cat-isolation room near the front entrance where strays and other cats are held when they first arrive at the shelter.
He said pictures are taken shortly thereafter and posted on the Internet in hopes of returning the pet to its owner or finding a new home. While in isolation, Paul said he socializes with the animals to see if they are people-friendly.
A wall outside the isolation room is filled with pictures of many dogs and cats that have been adopted. Paul, the city's animal-control officer for 20 years, said finding room to house the animals is a problem, especially when people just drop off their pets without warning.
"Abandonment is against the law," said police detective Richard Cielesz, shelter supervisor.
The shelter has 10 dog runs, but only six are currently filled with pit bulls, a boxer and Rottweiler. Several were abandoned.
"We try to find each and every one a home," said Paul, adding a veterinarian checks the animals once a month.
Cats are housed in a room beyond the dog runs. About 10 cats are available for adoption, but some are being treated for colds, Paul said.
"They have to be healthy to be adopted," he said.
Blumig said the shepherd-lab-mix dog, found tossed in with 80,000 pounds of household waste, is now doing fine.
"The calls have slowed down for adoption," said Blumig, adding about 150 to 160 people have called offering to adopt the celebrity canine. The calls have come from Florida, Michigan and throughout the country.
"An Orange County, Calif., schoolteacher was willing to hop on a plane to get (the dog)," he said, adding the dog's plight was broadcast nationally.
Blumig said the dog, which weighs about 50 pounds, has calmed down but is still being monitored. He said she has been skittish at times and growled at one camera man.
When the dog is ready for adoption, she will be placed in a quiet home with no children, possibly with an elderly couple or a single female.
"We're trying to find a good home," he said.
www.thnt.com/thnt/story/0,21282,871932,00.html?sec=main?=centraljersey