MANAHAWKIN – A Stafford Township man is facing an animal cruelty charge after authorities said he kicked a dog that died shortly afterward.
Christopher Cook, 40, of Manahawkin, was charged with third-degree animal cruelty following an investigation by Stafford Township police and local animal control officials.
Police said officers were called to a Manahawkin residence July 24 after receiving a report that a pet dog had died. Investigators allege Cook kicked the animal once before the dog died a short time later.
The Stafford Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Stafford Township Animal Control investigated the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death.
Authorities charged Cook on Aug. 20 with third-degree animal cruelty under New Jersey law.
Cook turned himself in at the Ocean County Jail on Aug. 22, where he was processed and later released while awaiting future court proceedings.
Stafford Township police said the department does not release arrest photographs of defendants.
The charge is an accusation, and Cook is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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