Second Dog Removed from Abuse Suspects' Home

Authorities have removed a second dog from the home of a Brick couple suspected of abusing their 13-year-old cocker spaniel, then claiming they found it on the side of the road.

The dog removed Thursday afternoon was a 3-year-old cocker spaniel named Aby, said Victor "Buddy" Amato, chief humane law enforcement officer for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The dog was voluntarily handed over to officers by Keith E. Morgan, 56, and Shauna Ewing Morgan, 43, of Sawmill Road, who have been charged with abusing their dog named Samurai, or "Sammy."

"We were getting anonymous tips for the last few days that there might be a second animal in the house," said Amato. "The anonymous tips were describing a mobile cocker spaniel, so we knew it wasn't the same dog."

Amato described Aby as "recently groomed" and in "decent shape."

The dog is now in the SPCA's custody and will be examined by a veterinarian.

The Morgans were cooperative and handed Aby over voluntarily, said Amato.

"They agreed that due to the circumstances of the charges that are pending, it might be wise just to sign that animal over," he said.

The Morgans are each facing charges related to the abuse endured by Sammy, who was found covered in excrement and urine and trapped in his own fur, unable to move.

Keith Morgan first said he found the dog at the side of the road in a garbage bag, authorities have said, but later it was determined he and his wife were the dog's owners.