An Avenel pet store owner was arrested Sunday and the shop has been reportedly closed for a second time by the state.
According to township officials, on Christmas Eve, the owner of Fancy Pups - 63-year-old Rocco Garruto, Jr. - was issued a restraining order that prevented him from selling, transporting, and holding animals.
Officials also removed ten dogs from the shop which were sent to a Boxer rescue and the Woodbridge Animal Shelter, where they were quarantined and were treated for illness/parasites, including giardia.
However it was not till yesterday (Dec.27) that authorities arrested Garruto, Jr. in front of his garage, Crystal Auto Sales, on St. Georges Avenue.
Authorities found three dogs - a puppy and two dogs - at the autobody shop who also needed to be treated for malnutrition.
Garruto was arrested and later released after posting his $2,500 bail. He is due in court for his restraining order violation Dec. 30.
According to the NJSPCA, animal cruelty charges were also filed against two employees, Sean Wostaka and Jenniver Evans, both of Metuchen. The store’s veternarian, Dr.Keith Gordon, was also cited for neglect.