Manchester Man Kicked, Threw Dog Before Leaving It At Groomer: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township man has been charged with animal cruelty after he was seen kicking his dog and throwing it against his car before dropping it off for a grooming appointment Wednesday, police said.

Gary Petosa, 63, was charged Wednesday afternoon after a caller told police Petosa had been seen kicking the dog, a Jack Russell terrier, outside Cutie Pawtootie Dog Grooming LLC in the Colby Commons Plaza on Route 70, Capt. Vincent Manco said.

Surveillance video from neighboring businesses confirmed what the caller had reported, Manco said. The videos showed Petosa aggressively yanking on the dog's leash, throwing the dog against the driver’s side of the vehicle, and kicking the dog several times, he said.

Detective Adam Guker, Manchester's humane law enforcement officer, substantiated the allegations through the video surveillance and witness statements, Manco said, and the dog was examined. The dog had not sustained any injuries despite the abuse, he said.

It was returned to Petosa after consultation with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Manco said. Petosa was criminally charged with animal cruelty, Manco said.

Manchester police said residents with information regarding any investigations are encouraged to contact the police department at 732-657-6111. Anonymous tips can be submitted online, and tips also can be submitted through the police department's social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

Note: This article has been updated with the breed and status of the dog.