Conflicting Reports Arise in Toms River Animal Cruelty Case

by
January 10, 2015

TOMS RIVER-Toms River officials are denying a claim by the NJSPCA over the account of what happened when Animal Control Officers responded to an April 14, 2014 incident of alleged animal cruelty.

NJSPCA WROTE: A 75-year-old Toms River man who was charged earlier this year with animal cruelty for allegedly euthanizing his elderly dog by locking it in a car and piping in exhaust fumes has pleaded guilty and will likely receive probation at sentencing, officials confirmed.

Clifford Robbins pleaded guilty to a third degree animal cruelty charge on Monday, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Robbins entered the guilty plea before Superior Court Judge James Blaney, who scheduled sentencing for March 1.

Toms River officials decided against pursuing municipal charges, leading the NJSPCA to bring the case to the attention of the county prosecutor’s office. The case spurred protests at several Toms River township council meetings earlier this year and spawned a “Justice for Mocha” group on Facebook.

Toms River Officials disputed that account.  They said it was them and not the NJ SPCA who pursued the matter.

“Toms River Animal Control turned this matter over to the Prosecutor’s office to handle.  Based on the orders from the Prosecutor’s Office, we cannot comment further on this matter,” said Township Public Information Officer Debbi Winogracki.  “If you need further clarification, you will have to reach out to them.”

Not so, according to the NJSPCA.

“NJSPCA got involved after Toms River Animal Control removed the body of this dog but took no legal action against Mr. Robbins.,” the NJ SPCA said in a statement on Friday.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was not available for comment on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

Phil Stilton
Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

  1. New Jersey Town Where ICE Agent Was Run Down Passes Resolution Urging Repeal of Sanctuary State Policies
  2. New Jersey Dem Lawmakers Move to Expand Assault Rifle Ban As Court Rules Existing Law Unconstitutional
  3. FIFA Is Now Selling World Cup Grass Paid for by New Jersey Taxpayers
  4. Flood Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Risk, and Possible EF2 Tornado Threat Across New Jersey Today