7-Pound Puppy Beaten To Death By Atlantic City Man: Prosecutor

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — An Atlantic City man pleaded guilty to a third degree animal cruelty charge that lead to the death of a seven pound Yorkshire Terrier named Mommas, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.

The details of 39-year-old Gary Moore's plea agreement require a New Jersey State Prison sentence of three years, Acting Prosecutor William E. Reynolds said.

Atlantic City police responded to a 911 call from a very upset woman on Jan. 7, 2020 after she came home from work and found the body of her dead puppy, Reynolds said. The woman told police she could not find the dog and searched for her, eventually finding the body stuffed between the mattress and box spring of her bed, Reynolds said.

When the body was found, Mommas was dead and badly beaten, Reynolds said. Forensic experts determined that Mommas had suffered blunt force trauma, he said.

Following an investigation by Det. Malik Tolbert, one of the officers who responded to the call, Moore was charged with third degree animal cruelty by "purposely and cruelly causing the death of Mommas," Reynolds said.

Moore's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Reynolds urged the public to contact their local police departments if they witness acts of animal cruelty and reminded them that neglect is a form of animal cruelty.

"The Assistant Prosecutors assigned to the Animal Cruelty Unit understand that for most, their animals are more than just pets, they are beloved members of the family," he said. "They are an immeasurable source of joy and entitled to protection under the law."

"The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Animal Cruelty Unit takes great pride in the trust placed in them to fully investigate and prosecute individuals who commit offenses involving cruelty and/or neglect of animals," Reynolds said.