Tuckerton Woman Arrested On 8 Counts Of Animal Cruelty

TUCKERTON, NJ - The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the Tuckerton police chief arrested a South Green Street woman on Monday and charged her with multiple counts of animal cruelty after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Tuckerton Police Chief Brian Olsen said Laura J. Giacini, 53, was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty, failure to provide proper care and one contempt of court order, said Al Della Fave, a spokesperson for the Prosecutor's Office.

Giacini’s arrest stems from an investigation by Tuckerton Patrolman Bruce Evans, the department's Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Tuckerton Detective Robert Robert Grant and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Officer Ron Braen, he said.

The three began their investigation on July 12, 2018 after receiving an email from a concerned citizen about possible animal abuse and neglect. They located a trailer located at 313 South Green Street which contained 8 dog that were living in unfit and neglectful conditions, Della Fave said.

Giacini was identified as the dogs' owner. She was already subject to a Lakewood Municipal Court order that barred her from owning any animals for seven years, he said.

All of the dogs were removed from the property and were taken to the Ocean County Animal Facility in Manahawkin, he said.

Assistant Prosecutor Kelly J. Biringer, who will be the case prosecutor, reviewed and approved the above charges. Giacini was served her complaint summons and released to answer the charges on a future court date, Della Fave said.

Photo: Ocean County Prosecutor's Office