UNION TOWNSHIP, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey dog sitter has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after one of the pit bulls in his care killed another, police said.
Police discovered one pit bull "mauling" another pit bull on Dec. 24 in the backyard of a Union Township home on Gates Terrace, and the dog appeared to be dead, according to police. Officers then found Vickens Moscova, 37, on the ground with lacerations on both of his hands in the home's back doorway.
Moscova, who resides in the home, was attacked when he tried to break up a fight between the dogs, police said. He was taken to Trinitas Hospital for treatment.
Animal control officers responded to the two-family home and took custody of the five remaining dogs, isolating the aggressive one. They also took care of one cat in the home. The pets were reunited with their owners after police explained what happened.
According to police, Moscova strapped shock collars on the dogs he was caring for and tethered them to a fence in the backyard with a tether less than 15 feet long.
An investigation into the dog's death revealed that Moscova had advertised on the pet care website Rover.com and had found clients through it.
Police said the owner told Moscova the dog was fine around people but should be kept away from other dogs due to the animal’s aggressive nature. Instead, Moscova ignored the owner's instructions and kept the dogs together.
None of the owners wanted Moscova to put shock collars on their dogs too. Police said one dog that was in his care for several weeks lost about 15 pounds and had matted fur.
While Moscova has been removed from Rover.com, he is not barred from working as a pet sitter, according to police.
Moscova is due to appear in court on May 3.
The department advised people to be cautious when choosing a pet sitter.
"We encourage all responsible pet owners to do research and not hire someone merely because of a listing on a website," Union police said. "Getting personal recommendations from a trusted friend or neighbor is always a good idea. Before you agree to have someone as a pet sitter, check out the location and conditions of the pets currently being housed."
Anyone with information about other possible instances of animal cruelty is asked to call Union police Detective Michael Theissen at 908-851-5030 or MTheissen@uniontownship.com.
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