TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Brick Township man pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 157 cats and three dogs living in squalid conditions at his home, prosecutors said.
Jeffrey Finlay, 56, entered the plea before Ocean County Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer in connection with the May 4, 2023, incident. He faces up to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation at his sentencing on April 25. Prosecutors are also seeking a lifetime ban on animal ownership and community service unrelated to animals.
Police responded to Finlay’s Mantoloking Road residence after he requested assistance removing an excessive number of animals, authorities said. Officers found the animals in distress and coordinated their removal to county animal facilities for evaluation and treatment.
An investigation determined that 68 cats suffered serious bodily injuries or had to be euthanized due to lack of care. Finlay was initially charged with failure to provide care for a living animal.
On June 11, 2023, following veterinary reports, prosecutors upgraded his charges to animal cruelty. Finlay surrendered to police three days later and was released under New Jersey bail reform laws.
Prosecutors are seeking a jail sentence and a permanent animal ownership ban after authorities uncovered the extreme neglect.