Readington Township, N.J. – A Readington Township man has been charged with animal cruelty and weapons possession following an incident on August 12, 2024, in which a dog was fatally shot. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. at 523 Flemington Whitehouse Road, a property owned by Kalli Hartman, 30, of Readington Township.
According to the Readington Township Police Department, Hartman reported that a Pitbull began attacking another dog on the property, and she, along with Craig Cooke, 30, also of Readington Township, believed the dog was being aggressive towards her. In response, Cooke discharged a firearm, killing the Pitbull.
On August 22, 2024, Cooke was formally charged with one count of second-degree possession of a weapon (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4) and one count of third-degree animal cruelty (N.J.S.A. 4:22-17).
If convicted, Cooke could face significant criminal penalties. Second-degree charges carry a potential sentence of five to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges could result in a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations, and Cooke is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Readington Township Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with information regarding the case to contact them at 908-534-4031.