Long Branch Man Imprisoned For Nearly Letting Caged Puppy Drown

LONG BRANCH, NJ — A Long Branch man was sentenced to one year in prison for nearly letting a puppy drown, officials announced Friday. Aaron D. Davis locked an 8-month-old puppy in a small wire cage, which he left by the water on Sandy Hook Bay during the rising tide.

Davis, 36, was found guilty last December of fourth-degree animal cruelty. He faced up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 and 30 days of community service.

He was acquitted of third-degree attempted animal cruelty because the jury determined he didn't try to kill the dog. He had faced up to five years in prison for the latter charge. Read more: Long Branch Man Convicted Of Nearly Letting Caged Puppy Drown

A passerby spotted the small dog in a crate July 2018 on a small portion of sand between the bulkhead and the water. The passerby climbed the ropes, down the rock barrier and onto the sand to rescue the dog, who was later named "River."

Davis took the puppy after a domestic dispute in the early-morning hours, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Highlands police responded to the domestic incident and captured video of the puppy, which helped to identify the dog the following day.

Had this passerby not been at the exact right place at the exact right time, River would have drowned due to the rising tides,” said Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.

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