Monmouth County SPCA Chief: Tinton Falls Puppy-Puncher Faces 8 Charges

A Tinton Falls man faces eight animal cruelty charges after allegedly punching a puppy in the head and wrapping two dogs' muzzles in duct tape, according to Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer Victor “Buddy” Amato.

Joseph A. Valentino, 41, of Cherry Street, is accused of abusing the three animals from September 2012 through February 2, 2013, a release by the Monmouth County SPCA stated.

Valentino allegedly wrapped the muzzle of Stitches, a 1-year-old Bullmastiff, with duct tape and trimmed the dog's nails using a power tool. Valentino would allegedly choke the animal to the point where Stitches' tongue turned blue and he defecated on himself.

According to the press release, Valentino is accused of pulling Manga, a puppy Bullmastiff, by its tail and punching the pup in the head. A third Bullmastiff, Addie, also had its muzzle wrapped in duct tape, the release stated.

Valentino faces up to $1,000 in fines for each of the eight charges against him, with the possibility of a six-month jail sentence.