READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A man is accused of shooting and killing a dog in Readington Township.
On Monday, Aug. 12, at around 1:30 p.m., police responded to 523 Flemington Whitehouse Road where there was a report of a homeowner who discharged a weapon.
The property is a business owned by Kalli Hartman, 30, of Readington Township and she reported to police that a Pitbull began attacking another dog and that she and Craig Cooke, 30, of Readington Township believed the dog was being aggressive towards her, officials said.
Cooke subsequently shot the dog which resulted in the dog’s death, authorities said.
Cooke was charged on Aug. 22 with second-degree possession of a weapon, and third-degree animal cruelty, the prosecutor’s office said.
Second-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between five and ten years and a fine not to exceed $150,000. Third-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine not to exceed $15,000.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, should contact the Readington Township Police Department at 908-534-4031.
