SPCA: Puppy-Puncher Faces 8 Animal Cruelty Charges

An area man faces eight animal cruelty charges after allegedly punching a puppy in the head and wrapping two dogs' muzzles in duct tape, according to Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer Victor “Buddy” Amato.

Joseph A. Valentino, 41, of Cherry Street, Tinton Falls, is accused of abusing the three animals from September 2012 through February 2, 2013, a release from the Monmouth County SPCA said.

Valentino allegedly wrapped the muzzle of Stitches, a 1-year-old Bullmastiff, with duct tape and trimmed the dog's nails using a power tool. Valentino would allegedly choke the animal to the point where Stitches' tongue turned blue and he defecated on himself.

According to the press release, Valentino is also accused of pulling Manga, a puppy Bullmastiff, by its tail and punching the pup in the head. A third Bullmastiff, Addie, also had its muzzle wrapped in duct tape, the release said.

Valentino faces up to $1,000 in fines for each of the eight charges against him, with the possibility of a six-month jail sentence.