Crime & Safety
Princeton Man Indicted For Animal Cruelty
According to complaints, the man hit the dog with a crop whip, picked her up and slammed her on the ground, jabbed his fingers into the dog's ribs, and did not seek medical attention.
A Mercer County grand jury has indicted a 31-year-old Princeton man with animal cruelty, Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. announced.
Michael G. Rosenberg of Birch Avenue was indicted with one count of third-degree animal cruelty, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in state prison and a $15,000 fine.
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Despite having been indicted, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
It is alleged that, on or about Aug. 26 – 28, 2012, in Princeton Township, Rosenberg purposely, knowingly or recklessly, tormented, tortured, or unnecessarily or cruelly beat Shyanne, a three-year-old German Shepherd-mix breed dog, which resulted in Shyanne’s death, according to the Prosecutor's Office. As a result of Rosenberg’s abuse, Shyanne suffered four broken ribs, one that punctured a lung, and hyperthermia.
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According to the complaints signed by Animal Control Officer Mark Johnson on Nov. 16, 2012, Rosenberg hit Shyanne with a crop whip, picked Shyanne up and slammed her on the ground, jabbed his fingers into the dog’s ribs, and did not seek medical attention for Shyanne.
According to multiple press reports last fall, Tracy Stanton of Lawrence left Shyanne, a German Shepherd-mix, with Rosenberg after a friend recommended him as a dog trainer.
Two days later, Rosenberg called Stanton and said the dog needed vet attention. Stanton made the appointment, at which time Rosenberg instructed her to pick up the dog immediately. Fifteen minutes later, Stanton’s boyfriend arrived and found Shyanne unresponsive but still breathing on Rosenberg’s front porch.
The dog died before it reached the animal hospital.
Rosenberg is listed on the New Jersey State police website as a tier 2 Mega’s Law offender. The website states that Rosenberg had consensual sex with a juvenile female acquaintance. The date of disposition was Nov. 9, 2011.
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