Brick Man Gets 9-Month Jail Term In Caged Dog's Balcony Death

BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township man has been sentenced to 9 months in jail for after his pet dog died when it was left caged on a balcony in the heat in July 2018, the Ocean County prosecutor's office announced Friday.

Jonathon Correa, 31, of Brick, also was sentenced to 180 hours of community service, the maximum allowed by law, and four years of probation under the sentence handed down by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan on Friday, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Correa pleaded guilty Sept. 30 to a third-degree charge of animal cruelty in the July 1, 2018 death of Princess, who was found caged outside on the balcony of his townhouse in Brick. The temperature reached 97 degrees that day.

Police were called by neighbors who saw the dog was in distress after being outside in the heat for several hours.

Officer John Scott found Princess, a 13-month-old pit bull, unconscious and in severe distress. Pedersen said. Brick K9 officers Sgt. Paul Catalina and Officer Keith Prendeville tried to cool her with water, with help from neighbors, then lowered her cage to the ground and rushed her to Jersey Shore Veterinary Hospital on Route 70 in Lakewood. Princess was treated through the night for heat stroke but died two days later. Correa was later indicted on the animal cruelty charge.

As part of his sentence, Correa must pay $1,735 in restitution to Brick Township for the veterinary bills incurred trying to save Princess's life.

He also is banned from owning any animals during his four years of probation, and his community service cannot be served in any organization where animals are involved, under the sentence.

Billhimer praised Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr, who handled the case, and the Brick Township Police Department for their assistance in bringing Correa to justice.

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