Owner of abandoned deaf, blind dog arrested

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY.COM) - A woman from Fort Lee was charged with animal cruelty after abandoning her blind and deaf dog along Industrial Avenue in Teterboro, according to the Bergen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Tania Connelly, 59,  allegedly abandoned the older black and white Boston Terrier Saturday because she could not afford the animal's veterinary expenses.

She told NJ.com Friday that she left her dog, Bruna, in a grassy area while she went shopping at a nearby Walmart store because she didn't want to leave her in the car. She claims that she planned to return.

The Bergen County SPCA said a waitress witnessed the dog being left on the road and took photos of the vehicle and the license plate.

The animal advocacy group was notified and a search for the dog and the person who abandoned it was launched.

Authorities later found Bruna and her owner.

The SPCA took to Facebook to thank those who helped track down the dog.

"Thank you to the person that saw this happen, took action by taking the photo of the accused license plate and to the person who saw the abandoned dog and took her to the Bergen County Animal Shelter! Remember if you see any acts of animal cruelty or neglect it must be reported!"

Connelly reportedly signed a surrender form which will allow Bruna to be adopted.

She's expected to answer charges of inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal on Sept. 21 at Superior Court in Hackensack.

If you are aware of animal cruelty or neglect call the SPCA at 201-573-8900 or sit bergenspca.org.