Bergen County Man Charged In Death Of Girlfriend's Pets: NY SPCA

LAKE PEEKSKILL, NY — A North Jersey man was arrested by the Putnam County, New York Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty this week, after it is alleged he killed his girlfriend's pets one-by-one over the course of a year.

Matthew Savinovich, 27, of Norwood, New Jersey, faces charges of felony burglary, four counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals, four counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and four counts of felony criminal mischief.

The SPCA accused Savinovich of killing his girlfriend's pets over the course of their relationship from December 2019 to November 2020, according to a New York Patch report. The animals were three chihuahuas and a ferret.

Savinovich was arrested on Wednesday after surrendering to officers at the agency, and was arraigned at the Putnam County Court, and sent to Putnam County jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond. If convicted, Savinovich would face a minimum of five years in prison.

In addition to the charges, SPCA Chief Ken Ross said the court issued an order of protection for the ex-girlfriend at his arraignment.

Multiple North Jersey agencies were involved in the investigation, according to Ross, including the Fair Lawn, Hackensack, Norwood and Northvale Police Departments.

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