Long Branch Man Indicted For Leaving Caged Dog To Drown: MCPO

A Long Branch man accused of leaving a caged dog to drown in a river has been indicted by a grand jury, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. Aaron Davis, 35, faces charges of attempted animal cruelty and animal cruelty, according to the MCPO.

A Highland resident found River, the pit bull puppy, last July. Jennifer Vaz was walking her boxer, Molly, when she and Molly heard whimpering near a jetty rock. The puppy was trapped in a cage and left to drown as the tide rose. River was rescued and made a recovery.

An attempted-animal-cruelty conviction, a third-degree offense, carries up to five years in prison, according to the Asbury Park Press. The animal-cruelty charge is a fourth-degree offense, carrying up to 18 months in prison if convicted, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Above photo of River provided by Jennifer Vaz