Crime & Safety

Man Charged After Dog Found Dead In Driveway In Ocean County, Police Say

Investigators say the dog was left in a vehicle for an extended period on a warm day, police said.

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township man has been charged with animal cruelty after his dog was found dead in the driveway of his home in September, Manchester police said.

William Bevan Jr., 67, was charged on Oct. 1 with third-degree animal cruelty, police said.

Police were called to a home on Norwalk Avenue in the Whiting section about 9 p.m. on Sept. 3 and found the dog in the driveway.

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Investigators led by Detective Adam Guker, the department's humane law enforcement officer, determined the dog had been left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended period of time under warm weather conditions, Manchester police said.

The investigation, which included a necropsy on the dog and multiple interviews, led to the charge being issued against Bevan, in coordination with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

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Bevan was issued a summons and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date, police said.

"The Manchester Township Police Department takes all reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse seriously," police said. "Each allegation is thoroughly investigated based upon the facts and evidence available, with appropriate enforcement action taken when supported by the facts, evidence, and applicable law."

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