Police Seek Woman Who Abandoned Injured Dog in NJ Dumpster

New Jersey animal welfare officials and police are searching for a woman who abandoned a severely injured and malnourished dog inside a trash bag in a dumpster behind a shopping center in Ocean County. The dog, now receiving emergency veterinary care, was discovered by a local resident who heard whimpering coming from the dumpster.

According to the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA), the dog—a female pit bull mix estimated to be about three years old—was found suffering from multiple untreated injuries and severe malnutrition, according to NBC Philadelphia.

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Discovery and Condition

The abandoned dog was discovered on Tuesday evening by Thomas Wilson, who was disposing of trash behind the Lakewood Shopping Plaza when he heard faint whimpering. “I thought I was hearing things at first, but then I realized there was definitely something alive in there,” Wilson told authorities.

Upon opening the black trash bag, Wilson found the severely emaciated dog with multiple untreated wounds and immediately contacted animal control. Veterinarians at the Ocean County Animal Hospital reported that the dog was suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, untreated fractures, and signs of prolonged neglect.

“This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty we’ve seen this year,” said Dr. Jennifer Keller, the veterinarian treating the dog. “She has multiple healing fractures that were never treated, severe muscle wasting from malnutrition, and evidence of long-term neglect,” according to Asbury Park Press.

Surveillance and Investigation

Investigators have obtained surveillance footage from cameras near the shopping plaza showing a woman in her 30s with dark hair pulling up in a gray sedan around 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday. The footage shows her removing a large black trash bag from the trunk and disposing of it in the dumpster before quickly driving away.

“We have clear images of both the suspect and the vehicle, including a partial license plate,” said Lieutenant Michael Davis of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force. “We’re confident we’ll be able to identify this individual.”

Authorities have released screenshots from the surveillance footage and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The prosecutor’s office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Legal Consequences

Under New Jersey’s animal cruelty laws, specifically “Patrick’s Law” enacted in 2013, the perpetrator could face third-degree charges of animal cruelty, which carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

“This case involves both active cruelty through the injuries inflicted and neglect through starvation, as well as the abandonment in a manner that was likely to result in death,” explained Brian Hackett, NJ State Director for Animal Legal Defense Fund, as reported by NJ.com.

Dog’s Recovery and Future

Despite her severe condition, veterinarians are cautiously optimistic about the dog’s chances for recovery. The dog, temporarily named “Hope” by hospital staff, has been stabilized and is receiving intensive care, including IV fluids, pain management, and nutritional support.

“She’s responding well to treatment and showing remarkable resilience,” Dr. Keller said. “These cases are heartbreaking, but we’re committed to giving her every chance at recovery and eventually finding a loving home.”

The Ocean County Animal Shelter has already received numerous inquiries from people interested in adopting Hope once she recovers. However, officials emphasize that her medical treatment will likely take several weeks, and she will need specialized care during her rehabilitation.

Local animal welfare organizations are also using this case to highlight the importance of proper surrender protocols for pet owners who can no longer care for their animals. “There are always humane options available,” said Sarah Jenkins of the Ocean County Humane Society. “No animal should ever endure this kind of treatment when there are resources to help.”

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