BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Brick Township man was sentenced Friday to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail and permanently banned from owning animals after pleading guilty to two counts of animal cruelty, prosecutors said.
Jeffrey Finlay, 56, was sentenced by Judge Kenneth T. Palmer, who also ordered Finlay to complete 25 days of community service not involving animals. The sentence follows Finlay’s guilty plea stemming from the discovery of more than 150 cats and several dogs living in poor conditions inside his Mantoloking Road residence.
Key Points:
- Jeffrey Finlay, 56, sentenced to 180 days in jail and lifetime animal ownership ban
- Authorities discovered 157 cats and 3 dogs living in poor conditions at Finlay’s home
- Veterinary reports confirmed 68 cats suffered serious injury or were euthanized
Authorities uncover dozens of injured animals at Brick home
On May 4, 2023, Finlay contacted Brick Township Police himself to request assistance in removing what he described as an excessive number of animals from his residence. Responding officers found 157 cats and three dogs at the property. The animals were removed over a 24-hour period and taken to the Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities for evaluation and treatment.
Initial charges against Finlay included failure to provide care for a living animal or creature.
Veterinary reports lead to upgraded animal cruelty charges
Final veterinary reports received on June 5, 2023, revealed that 68 of the cats had either sustained serious bodily injuries or were euthanized due to poor health conditions linked to a lack of proper care. As a result, Finlay was charged with animal cruelty on June 11, 2023, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Finlay surrendered to Brick Township Police on June 14, 2023. He was processed and released under the terms of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor commends efforts of law enforcement and animal care teams
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Becker and multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Health Department, and local animal facilities, for their roles in the investigation.
The permanent animal ownership ban was included as part of Finlay’s sentencing conditions.
