NEW JERSEY — A man faces animal cruelty charges after a disturbing discovery was made at a New Jersey kennel, where a dog was found clinging to life inside a garbage bag thrown into a dumpster, according to court records.
Aranwood Kennels in Mahwah advertises online as “trusted indoor and outdoor dog boarding.” But the owner, Richard Dubarton, 57, was arrested and charged after a customer made the surprising discovery the week of February 18.
“The caller stated he located a Dutch Shepherd dog that appeared to be in near-death condition located inside a trash bag, which was inside a dumpster in the parking lot,” court records state.
Miraculously, there is good news: The dog survived, police said.
Dubarton said “someone must have dumped it there.” Investigators said he got the dog months earlier from Irvington police after its original owner surrendered it.
Irvington officials had no comment, nor did the pound when reached by phone from NBC New York.
Police said Dubarton has worked as an animal control officer in several New Jersey communities. That includes Plainfield, which said after the Humane Society ended its working relationship with the city in 2023, they began working with the pound.
“We have entered into a contract with them, with the hope that this partnership will provide a reliable and compassionate solution. However, recent events have cast a shadow over this decision,” read a statement from Plainfield officials Thursday. “Allegations of mistreatment within Aranwood Kennels have come to light, prompting an immediate investigation by our police department…in response to these disturbing reports, we acted quickly to ensure the safety and care of our community’s animals , none of which remain under the care of the facility involved.”
Police said they have since recovered 37 dogs from Dubarton’s property. He locked “several dogs” outside in below-freezing temperatures for an extended period of time, according to court documents.
The seized animals have since been examined and taken to several rescue centers, police said. Some of the rescued animals may need to be euthanized. An investigation is ongoing.
A voicemail from Dubarton was not returned. He is scheduled to appear in court during the first week of March.
2024-03-01 04:34:38
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