Dog Groomer Indicted On Cruelty Charges After Pet's Death In South Jersey: Report

WOODBURY HEIGHTS, NJ — A grand jury this week indicted a South Jersey dog groomer on animal cruelty and drug charges after a customer's pet died at his business in July, according to a report.

Trevor Hunt, the owner of K-9 Kingdom on Glassboro Road in Woodbury Heights, was indicted on four counts Wednesday, including third-degree cruelty to animals and failing to provide the dog with necessary care while in his custody, NJ Advance Media reported.

Hunt was arrested on July 12 after a customer dropped their dog off for a grooming appointment at K-9 Kingdom. Hunt contacted him a short time later and said the dog was dead, according to police.

Authorities confirmed the dog's death with Hunt and launched an investigation, which resulted in a search of the business. During the search, Hunt became "uncooperative" and was arrested, police said. Authorities also said they found and seized a "substantial amount" of narcotics inside the business.

According to NJ Advance Media, the dog — a 3-year-old border collie Australian shepherd mix named Harley — had no known health issues.

A necropsy on Harley revealed no signs of illicit drugs in her system or any indications of what caused her death, Woodbury Police Chief Tom Ryan told NJ Advance Media.

Following his arrest, Hunt was charged with tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. According to Wednesday's indictment, Hunt is accused of deleting text messages from his phone after investigators told him they planned to seize it.

Hunt remains jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.