MANCHESTER – A Whiting man has been charged with animal cruelty after authorities said a dog died after being left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended period during warm weather.
William Bevan Jr., 67, was charged October 1 with third-degree animal cruelty following an investigation by the Manchester Township Police Department, authorities said.
The investigation began around 9 p.m. September 3 when officers were called to a home on Norwalk Avenue after a dead dog was discovered in a driveway. Police responded to the property and began investigating how the animal died.
The case was later assigned to Detective Adam Guker of the department’s Investigations Bureau. Guker also serves as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer, receiving specialized training to investigate suspected animal cruelty, neglect and abuse.
Police said investigators interviewed multiple people, conducted additional follow-up and arranged for a necropsy to help determine the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.
Authorities ultimately determined the dog had been left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended amount of time while temperatures were warm.
Following the investigation and consultation with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Bevan was charged with third-degree animal cruelty.
He was issued a complaint summons and is expected to appear in court at a later date.
Police emphasized that the charge is an accusation and Bevan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
