Summary (tl;dr)

Four cats were found abandoned and neglected in a mesh tunnel during a rainstorm in Asbury Park, leading to their rescue and subsequent animal cruelty charges against the person responsible.

Essential Background

The incident involves the abandonment of four cats. Before their discovery, the cats were left in a mesh tunnel exposed to severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and cold temperatures, for a prolonged period without food or water. They were found soaking wet, freezing, covered in fleas, and showing signs of malnutrition.

The Full Story

On October 11, 2026, the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a call regarding a welfare check at 1305 Summerfield Avenue, where they found four cats confined in a mesh tunnel. The cats were rescued by the Asbury Park Police Department and the Monmouth County SPCA Animal Control Team. Breyonna Owens, 33, of Asbury Park, has since been criminally charged with four counts of animal cruelty and four counts of abandonment in connection with the incident. The rescued felines are currently receiving care at the Monmouth County SPCA shelter in Eatontown, and three of them are now ready for adoption, while one has already found a forever home.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty and abandonment, drawing public attention and concern for animal welfare. The rapid response of law enforcement and animal rescue organizations, coupled with the identification and charging of the responsible individual, underscores efforts to combat such crimes. Furthermore, the recovery and adoption readiness of the cats offer a positive outcome, emphasizing the importance of animal shelters and community support in providing care and new homes for neglected animals.

Geographic Location

• 1305 Summerfield Avenue, Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States (location where cats were found abandoned)
• Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States (location where police received the call and the abandonment occurred)
• Eatontown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States (location of the Monmouth County SPCA shelter where cats are receiving care)