Jersey Shore Man Charged After Puppies Found In Howell Trash

HOWELL, NJ — A Jersey Shore man has been charged in connection with the litter of newborn puppies discovered in the trash on Feb. 27 by a good Samaritan, according to the Monmouth County SPCA.

An investigation revealed that the abandonment story was false and that the puppies belonged to the finder's son, police said.

The owner, David Hunsinger, 31, of Neptune, was charged with two counts of animal cruelty and neglect for taking the puppies away from their mother, which resulted in the deaths of two of them, police said.

Read more: Puppies Discarded In Trash Found In Howell

Hunsinger's adult dogs were examined further and found to be in good health; Hunsinger has agreed to have his dog spayed in order to avoid any future litters.

The Monmouth County SPCA’s Vogel Veterinary Care Center will be working with Hunsinger to complete the spaying process.

“We’re proud to be able to say that the work of our Humane Law Enforcement Division, along with police officers from Howell and Wall Townships, that we’ve successfully solved this case and charged the offender,” said Ross Licitra, Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA.

On Feb. 27, the litter of puppies was discovered near trash piles at Collingwood Auction in Howell. According to Monmouth County SPCA officials, the puppies were about 24 hours old and some still had their umbilical cords attached.

Two of the puppies died after their rescue, the SPCA said.

The surviving puppies are still in foster care and are improving. Adoption information is not currently available, and no pre-screening for potential homes will take place at this time.

The puppies will be considered for potential adopters at the end of April.