“Discarded outside like trash”: 4 cats found soaking wet, freezing and covered in fleas in Asbury Park in New Jersey

“These poor, innocent animals were discarded outside like trash,” the Monmouth County SPCA said after four cats were found abandoned inside a mesh tunnel in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The cats were left outside in pouring rain and were found soaking wet, freezing and covered in fleas. Police and the animal control team rescued the animals and took them to a shelter for medical examinations and care. The case has led to animal cruelty and abandonment charges against a New Jersey woman.

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How were the four cats found in Asbury Park?

The incident came to light on October 11, when the Asbury Park Police Department received an anonymous tip about abandoned animals struggling in a residential yard. Officers responded with members of the Monmouth County SPCA’s animal control team.


When they arrived, they found a mesh play tunnel draped over a concrete wall. Four cats were huddled inside the enclosure, their coats soaked after spending hours in the rain.

The rescue team carefully removed the cats, placed them in a vehicle and transported them to the SPCA shelter for treatment. The organization said the animals were cold, covered in fleas and confused by what was happening to them.

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What condition were the cats in?

According to the Monmouth County SPCA, the cats needed immediate attention after being exposed to the rain. They were soaking wet, freezing and infested with fleas.

The shelter’s staff examined the animals and began providing care. The cats received initial vaccinations, flea and tick treatment and regular meals as they recovered from the ordeal.

Despite the frightening experience, the cats were described as friendly. The SPCA said it was hopeful they would find loving homes once they were ready for adoption.

Lindsay Sanator, the SPCA’s media and marketing manager, told The Dodo that cases like this were devastating for the rescue team.

“It's impossible to understand how anyone could abandon an animal like that,” Sanator said.

New Jersey woman faces animal cruelty charges

Authorities identified Breyonna Owens, 33, as the woman accused of abandoning the four cats, according to reports. She faces four counts of animal cruelty and four counts of abandoning a domesticated animal.

The charges relate to the alleged abandonment of the animals and the failure to provide proper care. The case was reported after police and animal control officers responded to the anonymous tip and rescued the cats.

Owens was issued summonses to appear in court, according to reports. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the legal system.

What happened to the four rescued cats?

After being rescued, the cats were taken to the Monmouth County SPCA shelter in Eatontown, where staff provided veterinary examinations and treatment. Their care included flea and tick medication, initial vaccinations and regular feeding.

The SPCA initially said the cats would become available for adoption after the required stray hold ended. Shelter officials described them as friendly and expressed hope that they would find permanent homes.