Justice for the Sussex 32: Massive Animal Cruelty Case Ends in Arrests
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A heartbreaking case of animal abandonment that shocked Northern New Jersey has led to criminal charges against three individuals. Following an intensive investigation into dozens of dogs left in crates across several townships, the New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office have confirmed that three Phillipsburg residents are now in custody.
The Investigation: A Trail of Abandoned Cages
The case began on March 16, 2026, when troopers from the Sussex Station received a wave of disturbing reports. Dozens of small dogs were discovered abandoned in open crates—left without food or water—in three specific locations:
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Stillwater Township
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Lafayette Township
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Wantage Township
While the community and animal control officers successfully rescued 32 dogs, the scene was not without tragedy; responders discovered two deceased dogs at the sites.
Suspects Identified and Charged
By March 18, investigators successfully tracked the suspects to Phillipsburg, NJ. The following individuals have been charged:
| Suspect | Charges | Status |
| Joshua Ciemniecki (19) | 3rd & 4th-Degree Animal Cruelty | Lodged in Morris County Jail |
| Kaila McNeill (30) | 3rd & 4th-Degree Animal Cruelty | Lodged in Morris County Jail |
| Robert Ciemniecki (74) | Animal Cruelty | Released pending court date |
Road to Recovery: How the Dogs Are Doing
Thanks to the rapid response of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, local animal control agencies, and veterinary hospitals, the surviving dogs are receiving urgent medical care.
Note for Adopters: The dogs are not yet available for rehoming. They must be medically cleared by local veterinary professionals before the adoption process begins.
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Tags: #AnimalWelfare #SussexCountyNJ #NewJerseyNews #AnimalCruelty #BreakingNews #DogRescue
