Elderly, Sickly Dog Left To Die Chained Outside Union County Home

ELIZABETH, NJ — Two Union County residents were charged with leaving an elderly and sickly dog chained up outside in unsanitary conditions without food or water, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced.

Moris, 47, and Glady Gamez, 48, are both charged with fourth-degree animal cruelty, Monahan said.

A shepherd mix was found last week, suffering from severe matting and numerous insect bites, chained up in a small section of a rear yard of a home on the 300 block of Magnolia Avenue that was covered in debris and animal waste, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin, who manages the humane animal treatment subsection of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Unit.

Authorities were alerted following a report by a concerned citizen.

The dog was surrendered to authorities and transported to the Elizabeth Animal Shelter for medical attention, through which it was determined that it is also suffering from cancer and arthritis, according to the report.

“There needs to be wider recognition that New Jersey’s animal cruelty laws are written with very little tolerance for the neglect of pets,” Cronin said. “Animal owners may not leave their pets outside to fend for themselves against the elements, and those who do so will be prosecuted.”

Anyone with information about these matters or similar incidents is urged to contact Cronin at 908-527-4169 or Detective Vito Colacitti at 908-527-4387.

The Gamez couple face terms ranging from probation to 18 months in prison if convicted on the fourth-degree crime.

(Image via Union County Prosecutor's Office: The Shepherd mix found in Elizabeth. Note: The bowl with water in the photo was provided after the arrival of first responders.)

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