FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Lindsay Sanator
(732) 440-1529
MCSPCA Concludes Investigation on Abandoned Collingwood Puppies (Original Story Here)
Eatontown (March 24, 2022) – On February 27th, 2022, an alleged good Samaritan discovered a litter of 9 newborn puppies abandoned in a box and discarded with piles of trash at Collingwood Auction in Farmingdale. The Monmouth County SPCA was alerted and the litter of puppies was promptly recovered by the shelter’s Animal Control. MCSPCA medical staff determined the puppies were approximately 24-hours old, still having their umbilical cords attached. Original Press Release Here.
The Monmouth County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division, while working with the Howell Township and Wall Township Police Departments, conducted a full investigation of this matter and has concluded that the abandonment story was false and the puppies were owned by the finder’s son. The owner, David Hunsinger, 31, of Neptune is charged with two counts of animal cruelty/neglect, each count of 4:22-17a(4) for Failure to Provide Necessary Care of a newborn puppy less than 24-hours-old. The two counts of cruelty/neglect come from removing the puppies from their mother, ultimately leading to two of their preventable deaths. Upon further investigation of Hunsinger’s adult dogs, they appeared to be in good health, and moving forward, Hunsinger has agreed to have his dog spayed to prevent any further litters. The Monmouth County SPCA’s Vogel Veterinary Care Center will be working with Hunsinger to complete this process of spay in the near future.
Ross Licitra, Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA says, “We’re proud to be able to say that the work of our Humane Law Enforcement Division, along with police officers from Howell and Wall Townships, that we’ve successfully solved this case and charged the offender. In addition to the charges, we’re dedicated to helping prevent this from happening again by working with the owner on veterinary services. As the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, we take great pride in the work that we do to fulfill our mission and defend those who can’t defend themselves.”
The surviving puppies are still in foster care and continue to improve, they will receive all necessary vet care including spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchips when the appropriate time comes. Adoption information is not currently available and there will be no pre-screening for potential homes at this time. The puppies will be considered for potential adopters at the end of April. All questions can be directed to [email protected].
Donations to support these animals and the shelter can be made here: https://bit.ly/3vGe5sT