The animal-cruelty charges were filed on January 16 in Helmetta Municipal Court against Michal Cielesz, shelter director and Richard Cielesz, assistant shelter director.
Due to the nature of the charges, the charges will be transferred to Superior Court to be heard, Stanton said.
Michal Cielesz, 50, and Richard Cielesz, 63, of Matawan, each were charged with six counts of animal cruelty.
Three disorderly persons charges were filed against each individual for failure to provide proper care and shelter for leaving three dogs outside for an extended period of time and in adverse weather conditions.
Three third-degree indictable criminal charges were filed for failure to provide proper care for three cats, which were removed from the facility following the NJSPCA’s Nov. 13 inspection and later died or ordered euthanized by a veterinarian.
The disorderly persons charges carry a fine of up to $1,000 per count, and/or six months in jail, and/or community service. The indictable charges can carry between three and five years in jail, Stanton said.
Blame has been placed on the Cieleszs for the mismanagement and conditions at the shelter, which endangered animals in its care. The husband and wife, who previously held Animal Control Officer duties in Perth Amboy before coming to the borough in 2011, had been the focus of protests outside the shelter since the summer. A growing volume of complaints from former shelter employees, volunteers, residents, other municipal officials and even council members added to the mix.
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(Central Jersey.com - Jan 21, 2015)
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