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A Monmouth County grand jury returned a 14-count indictment against a city man and Ocean Grove woman related to animal cruelty charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced in written news statement.

Andre P. Parker, 31, of Sunset Avenue in Asbury Park is charged with is charged with three counts animal cruelty, two counts of hindering apprehension, and one count of tampering with evidence and obstruction.

Tara R. Robinson, 43, of Lawrence Avenue in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune Township is charged with two counts of animal cruelty, four counts of hindering apprehension and one count of obstruction.

The indictment follows a joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [MCSPCA], Asbury Park and Neptune Township police departments, the release said.

Officials said in January and February of this year, Parker caused a one- to two-year-old female pit bull mix known as Destiny to become severely abused. An anonymous tip led MCSPCA investigators to question Parker about allegations of abuse, officials said.

Parker is said to have secretly moved the abused dog from his Asbury Park home to Robinson residence in Ocean Grove. Parker then lied to investigators, telling them he did not have any knowledge of an injured dog, officials said.

Destiny was found two days later at Robinson’s home after another tip led Neptune Township police to investigate. At that time, Robinson told police there was no injured dog at her residence but police discovered the dog hidden behind her couch and contacted the MCSPCA.

She was severely dehydrated and malnourished and had several untreated and infected wounds, officials said. She could not raise her head or stand under her own power.  

Destiny was taken to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and while  a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order was issued, her condition improved after a lengthy hospital stay and she eventually made a full recovery, officials said. MCSPCA officials report Destiny was recently adopted and placed into her “forever home” with an SPCA-approved family.

Parker and Robinson face a three to five year sentence if convicted of animal cruelty. They face 18 months for each count of the other charges.

Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Jordan L. Williams was assigned the case.

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