Brick township man indicted on 149 counts of animal cruelty

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Brick Township man has been indicted on 149 counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of more than 150 animals living in deplorable conditions at his residence last year. The indictment was announced Wednesday by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Jeffrey Finlay, 56, was indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury in connection with the events that occurred on May 4, 2023, when he himself called officers from the Brick Township Police Department to his home on Mantoloking Road. Finlay requested assistance in removing what he described as an “excessive number” of animals from his residence. Upon arrival, officers found approximately 157 cats and three dogs living inside the home.

The animals were removed over the course of 24 hours and were taken to the Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities for treatment and evaluation. Initial charges against Finlay included failure to provide care for a living creature.

Subsequent veterinary reports from the Ocean County Health Department, delivered on June 5, 2023, revealed that 25 cats had to be euthanized, while four others suffered serious injuries due to neglect. As a result, Finlay was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty on June 11, 2023, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He surrendered to Brick Township Police three days later and was released following processing, in accordance with New Jersey’s Bail Reform guidelines.

Ocean County Prosecutor Billhimer commended the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Becker, who presented the case to the Grand Jury. He also praised the collaboration between the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Health Department, and the Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities, noting their “diligent and thorough work” throughout the investigation.

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