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A grandmother, mother and son who live in Asbury Park were charged with animal cruelty after a 7-month-old pit bull was dropped off at the Shrewsbury Animal Hospital Wednesday evening with signs of burns and other injuries, according to Victor “Buddy” Amato, chief of police for the Monmouth County SPCA.

A family member took the dog, called “Heaven”[at right], to Shrewsbury Animal Hospital.

“Heaven” was allegedly kept in a basement where she was left neglected and malnourished, lying in her own feces and “near death” when she arrived at the animal hospital, he said.

She also showed signs of a severe skin condition and was struggling to maintain her body temperature at the hospital. It is still not clear whether she will survive, he said.

After the dog was dropped off at the shelter SPCA officers were dispatched to the house to make sure no other animals were on the premises, Amato said.

Tyshon Taylor, 19, was arrested and charged Thursday morning with four counts of animal cruelty. He was transferred to Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of $15,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent, according to Amato.

Norma Manuel, 51, and Amanda Boyd were also charged with four counts of animal cruelty Thursday. They were released on their own recognizance, he said.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The charges have the potential to become indictable offenses if the dog dies, said Amato.

A representative from the Shrewsbury Animal Hospital was unable to comment on the current status of the dog due to the pending criminal investigation.

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