Dog Found Starved To Death Inside Butler Home: Sheriff's Office

BUTLER, NJ — A dog was found starved to death inside a Butler home by a Morris County Sheriff's Officer last month, the Sheriff's Office confirmed to Patch.

The dog was found by Officer Diana Bustamante while she was serving a writ of possession as part of the eviction process, Sheriff James Gannon said in a statement sent to Patch. Joseph P. Ciuzio, 41, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and abandonment as a result, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office told Patch.

The dog had been left in the home when the family was evicted, Gannon told Patch. Bustamante alerted the Butler Police and the Bloomingdale Animal Control, who have jurisdiction over the area. Butler Police referred all questions to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

The bulldog was allegedly so thin its bones were clearly visible, and was covered in feces. It appeared as if the dog had attempted to find food in the home, the Daily Record said.

“It is always so very upsetting when a family pet, that is almost entirely dependent on the care of its owners, is left alone or neglected. To me, this is a very sad outcome," Gannon said.

Image via Shutterstock