NJ Teen Forced To Wear Shock Collar Was Abused For Years: Affidavits

STRATFORD, NJ — Authorities say the 13-year-old girl who sought a neighbor's help after allegedly being forced to wear a shock collar around her neck had been subject to such abuse for years.

Three women have been charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child. All three denied allegations of abuse and neglect, authorities said.

According to complaints and arrest warrants that were served on 42-year old Kelly Mennig, 22-year-old Rebecca Mennig and 20-year-old Rachel Mennig of Stratford, the 13-year-old girl first experienced the abuse about four years ago when she was nine years old.

In an affidavit of probable cause, police said that a guardian for the girl said she was unaware the abuse was taking place, and that a witness living in the residence told them the girl was expected to wear the dog collar whenever she was "bad."

The girl also told authorities that her sister "put the collar around her neck and shocked her multiple times and has done this in the past." She was also "deprived of the appropriate amounts of food and clothing amenities," according to the affidavit.

On March 1, a neighbor on Harvard Avenue reported to police that the teen was wearing a shock collar. Authorities noted in the affidavit that markings on her neck were consistent with wearing the collar, and she was transported to Jefferson Hospital in Stratford to be examined for further injuries.

The complaints and arrest warrants state that all three women are in the Camden County Correctional Facility without bail. According to NJ.com, the women are scheduled for their first court appearance at 9 a.m. Friday morning.