A Tinton Falls man is facing eight charges of animal cruelty for allegedly wrapping the muzzles of two dogs with duct tape and punching a puppy in the head, law enforcement authorities said Friday morning.
Joseph A. Valentino, 41, of Cherry Street, is alleged to have abused three dogs from September, 2012 through February 2, 2013…
“…when he wrapped the muzzle of Stitches, a one-year-old Bullmastiff, with duct tape and trimmed the nails on the dogs paws using a power tool despite the animal being fearful of the nail trimming; choking Stitches to the point of the dogs tongue turning blue and abusing the animal to the point it defecated on itself,”
according to a press release issued by Victor Buddy Amato, Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer at the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Valentino is also accused of pulling Manga, a puppy Bullmastiff, by its tail and punching the pup in the head. A third Bullmastiff, Addie, also had its muzzle wrapped in duct tape.
Valentino faces four counts of animal cruelty by abusing a living animal and four counts of animal cruelty by causing or procuring such acts to be done, charges that carry fines up to $1000 each, and a potential six-month jail term if convicted, Amata said
