Over 300 animals killed prematurely at NJ shelter; 2 officials charged

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(Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pexels)

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Two men have been criminally charged after authorities say more than 300 animals were prematurely euthanized at a New Jersey animal shelter.

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri announced the charges Friday as part of an investigation by his Humane Law Enforcement Unit (HLEU).

Todd Bencivengo, 56, of North Hanover, and Jeffrey Plunkett, 62, of Hamilton, are each charged with two counts of third-degree animal cruelty and one count of second-degree official misconduct.

Bencivengo is the former supervisor of the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter. Plunkett is Hamilton Township's current health department director.

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The HLEU's investigation began in August 2018 after two complaints were referred to the office by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

Further investigation revealed that between January 2016 and October 2018, approximately 236 cats and 93 dogs were euthanized before the animals were held or offered up for adoption for the state-mandated minimum length of seven days.

Prosecutors say that, while investigators uncovered multiple examples of mismanagement, there was insufficient evidence to establish any additional criminal charges. Administrative aspects of the investigation are being handled by the Hamilton Township Council.