BRICK – A local man was indicted on 149 counts of animal cruelty stemming from conditions of 157 cats and three dogs living in his home.
Jeffrey Finlay, 56, called police on May 4, 2023 asking for help in removing animals from his residence. Over the course of the next 24 hours, the animals were taken to the Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities which are in Jackson and Stafford townships.
The animals were evaluated by the Ocean County Health Department which runs the shelters. They determined that 25 cats needed to be euthanized and four cats suffered severe bodily injury due to Findlay failing to provide necessary care.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Becker who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Health Department, and Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.