Crime & Safety

Guilty Pleas Entered in 'Sammy the Dog' Case

Forty people lined the hallway of Brick Township Municipal Court before a hearing on the severely abused cocker spaniel.

Written by Colleen Platt

The man once heralded as saving Sammy the dog pleaded guilty Monday to abusing the cocker spaniel earlier this year.

Keith Morgan entered pleas of guilty to abuse and animal cruelty, and filing a false report with police. 

Shauna Morgan entered guilty pleas to two counts if abuse and neglect. A charge of abandonment was dismissed.

Judge Robert Lepore requested a pre-sentencing report before the pair are sentenced. The charges carry fines, a maximum of six months jail time and up to three years of probation.

Victor Amato, the chief humane law enforcement officer of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, called the plea a "win," because the charges that were dismissed mirrored others charges with which the Morgans had been charged. 

Prior to the hearing, about 40 people lined the hallways at The Brick Municipal Court waiting to enter the hearing of the couple. Some wore shirts that said "Justice for Sammy."

Keith and Shauna Morgan faced animal cruelty charges in connection with the dog, which was initially thought to be found on the side of the road by Keith on March 14. The Morgans were later charged.


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