Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer announced that Jeffrey Finlay, 56, of Brick Township, has been indicted on 149 counts of Animal Cruelty following a Grand Jury investigation. The charges stem from a May 4, 2023, incident where Finlay requested assistance from police to remove an excessive number of animals from his Mantoloking Road residence.
Upon arrival, officers discovered approximately 157 cats and 3 dogs living in squalid conditions. The animals were removed and transferred to local animal facilities for treatment and evaluation. Finlay was initially charged with Failure to Provide Care for a Living Animal or Creature.
Further investigation and veterinary reports revealed that 25 cats had to be euthanized and 4 cats suffered serious bodily injury due to Finlay’s neglect. He was subsequently charged with Animal Cruelty on June 11, 2023, and surrendered to authorities on June 14, 2023. Finlay was released from custody under New Jersey Bail Reform.