NJ dog abandoned, left to die by owner, authorities say

A New Jersey woman has been charged with animal cruelty after she allegedly abandoned her dog inside a residence for an extended period of time without food or water, leading to the animal's death.

Jennifer Caruso, 36, of Norwood was issued summonses by the Bergen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for failure to provide a living animal with water, food and shelter as well as failure to provide a living animal with veterinary care, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said in a press release Monday.

According to authorities, the lifeless body of Caruso's dog, Sully, was found on Feb. 18 by Northvale Police and Fire personnel. The dog was inside Caruso's former residence on Crest Drive in Northvale, the prosecutor said.

"Pursuant to investigation by members of the Bergen County SPCA, it was subsequently determined that 'Sully' had been left abandoned inside 442 Crest Drive for an extended period of time leading to his death," Grewal said in a statement, adding that the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit also assisted authorities with the investigation.

Caruso's arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, the prosecutor said.

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor for news at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.