Pit Bull Shot During Drug Investigation Was Euthanized
Dog initially survived gunshot wounds, but injuries too severe, officials say
A pit bull that was shot last week in Manasquan by a county law enforcement agent during an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Strike Force that resulted in the arrests of four locals, two of which were charged with marijuana distribution, was euthanized Wednesday, officials said.
During the investigation of a Brielle Road residence, the pit bull was shot to protect the safety of the county law enforcement officers, First Assistant Prosector Chris Gramiccioni said.
While the dog survived the gunshot wounds to its face and side, the severity of the injuries forced officials from the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to euthanize the dog Wednesday night, MCSPCA Chief Law Enforcement Officer Victor "Buddy" Amato said.
Gramiccioni said the county was not releasing the name of the officer who fired the shots pending an internal investigation.
John D. Cameron, 23, and Andrew S. Kelly, 25, both of the same Brielle Road address were arrested last week and each charged with alleged possession of over 100 grams -- close to a quarter pound -- of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to Gramiccioni.
Two others -- Justin West, 23, of Brielle Road, and Zachery Groezinger, 22, of Brielle -- were arrested and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, Gramiccioni said. Both were released with summonses, he said.
Cameron and Kelly remain in county jail in lieu of $30,000 and $20,000 in bail, respectively, with no 10 percent option, Gramiccioni said.
Manasquan Police played a supporting role in the investigation, which is being led by the county's Narcotics Strike Force, officials said.
Lou Davis
8:30 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Shot the dog in face and body? Did they not know that a dog lived there before they went in? Do they not prepare for the possibility of a dog being there? Pepper spray, taser, somthing? Seems shady to me. If all was good, then why not release shooters name? All this for a 1/4 lb. of pot? I think a lack of propper training is to blame.
Janice Wolfe
5:31 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I agree Lou.
Sharon
9:43 am on Sunday, February 19, 2012
NJ police cannot carry tazers, and pit bulls are viscous killers. They were there to arrest drug dealers , police have enough on there plate, they should be animal control too.Very soon many local Towns WILL adopt no PBull ordinances. And if there just innocent animals then why do MOST insurance Co. refuse homeowners with Pit's.
Sarah
10:27 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Just so you know you dumb bitch pit bulls are NOT viscous killers. first and foremost they are just like any other dog and how they are raised is how they will act. Tork the viscous killer you are referring to was better than any dog that you could ever imagine he was a cuddle buddy and the best dog. BUT its ignorant people like YOU who make this world bad place. Any dog could be made into a viscous dog. In April of last year I was bit by a golden retriever so don't try to say anything. And second of all everyone in that house was not a drug dealer so before you go and act like you know everything get the facts straight. Thanks.
Rin
1:01 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
to the idiot above who said pit bulls are vicious killers, you can suck it. i personally knew this dog and he was an angel. the fact that officers are trained to go in and shoot a pit bull no matter how it acts is fucking stupid. that dog died because these officers who had been watching the house and KNEW the dog was there decided to play target practice on an innocent animal. if they had been paying attention, they would have seen the dog was a goofy, obedient, and docile dog. he didn't even need a leash. he wasn't a drug dealers dog or a fighting dog. you closed minded people need to go elsewhere with your hate, because this small town mentality is becoming ridiculous. i've lived here my entire life and i'd rather leave my baby with my pit bull than alone with you. you people make me sick.
Poor Richard
2:13 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Sarah... please... go watch an episode of "The Little Rascals".. Petey the Dog was a pit bull. Real vicios huh? You don't know what you're talking about. ALL DOGS are territorial. Almost every animal is. If a bunch of people come rushing into a house (breaking down doors or breaking glass, yelling, screaming, etc) ANY DOG is going to freak out, ANY DOG, and ang is likely to become agitated and possibly agressive. After all, the cops were agitated and aggressive. If this operation was so worthwhile, and shooting a dog in the face was necessary, then why is the County Prosecutor withholding the name of the officer who fired his gun. Any time a gun is fired lives are in danger. Not worth it... stupid OVERuse of law enforcement manpower, bad judgment by the Prosecutor & whoever authorized this action. Why are they so ready to put the names of the accused in the paper but not the person who fired his weapon? What are they afraid to let the taxpayers who pay their salary....and pension... know what happened.