Pitbull Fatally Shot, Man Charged With Animal Cruelty In Readington

READINGTON, NJ — A Readington man was charged with animal cruelty after he shot and killed a Pitbull dog, said Hunterdon County Prosecutor.

On Aug. 12 at around 1:30 p.m., Readington Township Police were called to 523 Flemington Whitehouse Road, where there was a report of a homeowner who discharged a weapon.

The property is a business, owned by Kalli Hartman, 30, of Readington Township.

Hartman told police that a Pitbull began attacking another dog and that she and Craig Cooke, 30, of Readington Township, believed the dog was being aggressive towards her, said authorities.

Cooke shot the dog which resulted in the dog's death, according to authorities.

On Aug. 22, Cooke was charged with one count of second-degree possession of a weapon, and one count of third-degree animal cruelty.

Cooke faces imprisonment between five and 10 years and a fine not to exceed $150,000 for the second-degree charge and a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine not to exceed $15,000 on the third-degree charge.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Readington Township Police Department at 908-534-4031.

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