Jim Murdoch

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Sep 24, 2024, 1:07 PM

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Updated

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The Monmouth County SPCA is investigating three separate cases of animal cruelty involving dogs. Officials are asking for the public’s help tracking down who may be responsible.

Three dogs with no IDs and no tags were brought to the Eatontown facility in the last week.

The SPCA says Orion, a pit mix and possibly a victim of dog fighting, was the most severely injured. A dog they named Nutmeg was malnourished, had nails overgrown and was so weak he could barely stand on his own. The SPCA says Fuchsia was also extremely underweight and malnourished.

Dr. Samantha Mammen, medical director of the Monmouth County SPCA, says if Orion had not been found, he likely would have died.

“We don’t know it was a [dog fighting] ring. His injuries are consistent with being in a dog fight but given the area where he was found in, unfortunately, there is a lot of dog fighting in that area,” said Babara Lovell, director of development of the Monmouth County SPCA.

Orion was first found in Neptune, and Nutmeg was picked up in Asbury Park. They were both turned into the Asbury Park Police Department.

A neighbor in Red Bank found Fuchsia and brought her to the local police, all within the last week.

“They are certainly victims of neglect, they were abandoned and who knows what else. That’s why we need your help and the public’s help,” said Lovell.

In the days since arriving at the Eatontown facility, the vets say Orion and Fuchsia are doing much better.

“Nutmeg appears to be suffering from a chronic disease. There is the possibility Nutmeg was abandoned outside suffering from a terminal illness like cancer,” said Mammen.

Anyone who may know the owners of these dogs should contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office or the Monmouth County SPCA Abuse Tip Line.

Monmouth County Animal Cruelty Hotline: 877-898-7297

MCSPCA Humane Law Enforcement: 732-440-1539