Sunday, December 23, 2012

Bridgeton firefighter animal cruelty case postponed again

NEW JERSEY -- The hearing to resolve the animal cruelty charge against Bridgeton firefighter, Alexander Centeno, was postponed a second time Thursday.

It was rescheduled from Dec. 13 because of a scheduling conflict with Centeno’s attorney. Bridgeton Municipal Court Judge, Jason Witcher, granted the postponement.


It is unknown why the hearing was postponed or when a third appearance will be scheduled.

Cruelty agents for the Cumberland County SPCA confiscated an emaciated Great Dane from Centeno’s property on Nov. 20.

He was charged with failure to maintain proper sustenance, which included failure to provide proper veterinary care.

The dog — called Silent Knight by the people at the SPCA — is recovering at the county shelter.

His condition is improving, but his recovery is being stunted by the fact that he can’t be placed in a foster home until the SPCA receives full custody, according to SPCA Executive Director Bev Greco.

Centeno holds the option to voluntarily surrender Silent Knight, but has yet to do so, having pleaded not guilty to the charge signed against him.


Executive director for the county SPCA, Bev Greco, said they will continue to care for Silent Knight as he recovers at the shelter.

“He’s definitely improving,” she said. “We have to take it slow because Great Danes’ stomachs are prone to problems with weight changes.

“Once we can get him in a home, I think he’ll do a lot better.”

(nj.com - Dec 20, 2012)

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