Wayne Man Beat Puppy To Death: Police

WAYNE, N.J. - A township man beat a 6-month-old puppy to death during a domestic disturbance Friday morning, police said.

Police responded to a Travelo Drive home on a report that a fight had taken place between a resident and the caller, Detective Capt. Laurence W. Martin said.

During the fight, John G. Varcadipone, 23, allegedly beat a 6-month-old husky puppy to death with a kitchen chair; the location was "strewn with broken furniture and blood," Martin said.

The Passaic County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was notified and responded to the scene, the detective captain said.

Witnesses statement were taken at the scene. Police found Varcadipone at Chilton Hospital in Pompton Plains where he was being treated for injuries he sustained during the fight, Martin said.

Varcadipone was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, and cruelty to an an animal resulting in death. Bail was set at $75,000. He was transported to Passaic County Jail in lieu of bail.

John G. Varcadipone, 23/Wayne Police Department