PARAMUS, N.J. (AP) - The owner of a New Jersey pet store chain has pleaded guilty to several health code violations under a plea deal after more than 60 dogs were found inside a van behind his store.
Just Pups owner Vincent LoSacco pleaded guilty on Wednesday. He had been facing more than 130 animal cruelty counts.
LoSocco’s attorney says the deal shows that the original charges were exaggerated because his client is involved in an “unpopular business.”
Prosecutors had said several puppies were covered in feces and that many didn’t have sufficient access to food or water.
Prosecutors said some puppies couldn’t stand up because the cages were small.
LoSacco has agreed to pay $19,000 over 2 ½ years to Tyco Animal Control, which oversees the Paramus (puh-RAM’-uhs) Animal Control office.
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