Crime & Safety
NJ SPCA Investigates Possible Animal Poisoning at Heights of Collingswood
A spokesman for the organization confirmed that the apartment complex is at the center of an active animal cruelty case.
A complaint alleging animal cruelty at the Heights of Collingswood apartment complex has led to a formal visit from the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA).
"NJSPCA is on scene right now in Collingswood at an apartment complex investigating possible poisoning of birds and squirrels. Will update later. CaptA," read a post to the Facebook page of the organization Friday, April 6.
NJSPCA spokesman Matthew Stanton confirmed Tuesday to Patch that Officer Theresa Cooper had been dispatched to the to gather information about the matter, but Stanton said could not comment beyond that.
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In New Jersey, animal poisoning is treated under the statute for animal cruelty, a disorderly persons crime of the fourth degree, which mandates a Superior Court appearance and a fine of $1,000 to $3,000 for each instance.
The database at Pet-Abuse.com, which tracks instances of animal abuse nationwide, reports 484 cases in New Jersey since 1989. Seven of these involved allegations of poisoning, 18 involved wild birds, and another seven involved squirrels.
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