Jury seating area - file photo. — Jury seating area - File Photo.

MAYS LANDING, NJ – A jury in Atlantic County found Monique Tolbert, a 35-year-old resident of Atlantic City, guilty of third-degree animal cruelty on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred nearly a year prior, on July 12, 2023.

Tolbert had contacted the Atlantic City Police Department to surrender her dog, but when officers arrived, they found the dog, named Handsome, wandering the hallway of Tolbert’s apartment building. The officers noted Handsome’s severe emaciation and dehydration.

Further examination revealed that Handsome was suffering from urine scalding, had multiple pressure point sores, and was lacking basic care essentials such as a collar.

Handsome was immediately taken into custody by the police and transported to the Humane Society of Atlantic County, where he received medical assessment and treatment. It was determined that he weighed less than half of what is considered healthy for a dog of his breed and size.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has scheduled sentencing for September. They have also extended thanks to the Atlantic City Police Department officers involved in the case and the Humane Society of Atlantic County for their ongoing support of animals in the community.

This case highlights the importance of reporting animal cruelty. The Prosecutor’s Office urges citizens to contact their local police departments if they suspect animal neglect or abuse, emphasizing that neglect constitutes a form of cruelty.

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