Defendant charged with two counts of animal cruelty in sale of a sick dog, NJSPCA official said
FLEMINGTON - For the second time in less than 18 months, the owner and operator of the Catnip Friends Rescue has been charged with animal cruelty by the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Frank Rizzo, chief of the Law Enforcement Division of the NJSPCA, said in a statement.
On Saturday, Linda Wilferth, 57, of Phillipsburg was charged with two counts of animal cruelty in the adoption of a year-old chiweenie mix on Feb. 25 that had a flea infestation, hookworms, tapeworms and kennel cough, Rizzo said.
In February 2016, Wilferth plead guilty to one $500 civil count of animal cruelty based on charges filed against in December 2015 regarding the death of a dog.
On the most recent charge, Brett and Melissa Gottieb adopted the puppy from the parking lot of PetValu on Route 22 in Flemington for $375, said Rizzo. Shortly after the adoption, Brett Gottieb said the puppy, named "Gidget," became extremely ill and was treated by a veterinarian.
"We asked several questions when we purchased the dog," said Gottieb of Marlboro. "We had some concerns. They charged so much money for the dog and we wanted to make sure it was vetted and had been well taken care of. We were assured the dog was healthy."
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When the family brought the puppy home, it showed immediate signs of illness and Gottieb called Wilferth to complain. She told him to bring the dog back and get a refund.
But the family, the couple has two children, quickly became attached to the puppy and didn't want to return it.
Wilferth didn't return several calls seeking comment and in a call to the business on Tuesday a recording said that the number had been disconnected.
Gottlieb contacted the NJSPCA and an investigation was launched.
The investigation revealed that Wilferth attempted to cover up the flea infestation by having the dog wear a jacket so the fleas and patches of hair loss would not be noticed, said Rizzo.
Wilferth is scheduled to appear in Raritan Township Municipal Court on May 10 at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, Gottieb said he stopped payment on the check to adopt the dog. Wilferth has sued and is taking him to small claims court. He scheduled to appear in court on May 1 in Flemington, he said.
"I'm glad," he said. "I want to see her and discuss this. She hasn't returned any of my calls."
Currently, the puppy is doing well, said Gottieb. He continues to take her to the veterinarian, he said.
"She looks a lot better," he said. "She still has some spots where her hair hasn't grown back but overall, she's doing well. She's part of our family, which includes another dog. We're extremely happy.
"Our concern is that Linda is still selling pets in the parking lot of PetValu. We just don't want another family to go through what we've gone through.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
