The Trenton Humane Law Enforcement Division signed a complaint yesterday charging a Trenton man with one count of third-degree animal cruelty.
Police were called to a residence in the 400 block of Monmouth Street on September 21st on a report of family trouble.
An investigation revealed that Anthony Matlock, 19, threw his four-month-old American Staffordshire terrier from a third-floor window during a fit of rage. The puppy, named Duchess, landed in a vacant property a few feet away. Trenton police on scene crawled into the vacant residence through a rear window in an attempt to locate her.
The Trenton Fire Department responded to the extremely dilapidated structure and observed that the roof, first floor and second floor had all collapsed into the basement. Firefighters then breached the boarded front door and were able to rescue Duchess from the debris in the basement. The severely injured puppy was taken to CARES Veterinary Hospital in Langhorne, Pa., where doctors were able to save the dog’s broken right leg with surgery.
Matlock fled the residence after throwing Duchess out of the window.
According to officials, Matlock is scheduled to appear in court on October 17. The Trenton Humane Police investigated the case with the assistance of the Trenton Police Department.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.