Just Pups, accused of 267 animal cruelty charges, loses its license

EAST BRUNSWICK — The East Brunswick town council voted unanimously to revoke the license of Just Pups owner Vincent LoSacco on Monday night.

Just Pups owner Vincent LoSacco, 50, is facing 267 animal cruelty charges filed by
the NJ Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

An online petition demanding that the township shut down the store because of LoSacco's animal abuse charges has gathered more than 100,000 signatures.

The charges are mostly from the lack of adequate infection control procedures, poor and improper veterinary care and the co-mingling of sick animals with new animals just brought into the store, according to the NJSPCA. Several animals purchased at the store were found to be "sick and unfit for sale" after being examined by veterinarians, it said.

The NJSPCA said it found three dead dogs in a freezer.

Photos provided to New Jersey 101.5 show a dog named Gwen found emaciated in a cage at Just Pups. A source with knowledge of the case said that when Gwen was found her ribs and spine were prominent. Her skin condition was described as “poor, showing signs of dehydration.” The dog was extremely short of breath and mucous could be felt in her lungs, the source said. Gwen was not able to stand or lift her head, according to the source.

LoSacco has denied the allegations and and disputed the NJSCPA's count of sick animals.

LoSacco also operates Just Pups in Emerson, East Hanover and Paramus.