NEW JERSEY -- A township man has been convicted of 10 counts of animal cruelty and fined $6,500 stemming from an investigation that found he was improperly caring for at least nine dogs, authorities said.
Mario Atkinson, 38, was convicted of the cruelty charges in municipal court on Monday, said Victor “Buddy’’ Amato, chief law enforcement office for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Municipal Judge Robin Wernek imposed the fines on Atkinson and also ordered that he allow the SPCA to inspect his home for an indefinite period of time to ensure he does not get any more pets, Amato said.
That will restrict Atkinson from breeding dogs, or replacing any of the animals when they die, Amato said. Atkinson currently has 12 dogs, Amato said.
Atkinson was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty for each of the nine dogs that were found on his property on July 2, when neighbors notified authorities because one of the animals was stuck between two fences and had visible puncture and bite wounds, Amato said.
The investigation revealed Atkinson was not providing proper care and sustenance to the dogs, all pit bulls, he said. The trial resulted in convictions on 10 of the cruelty counts, he said.
Dr. Nicole Fedderson, veterinarian for the county SPCA, provided key testimony at the trial, Amato said. She also provided medical care to the injured dog, which was confiscated from Atkinson and is now at the SPCA, awaiting adoption, Amato said.
(Asbury Park Press - Feb 11, 2015)
No comments:
Post a Comment