On Tuesday, August 28th, at around 11:12 in the morning, Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) officers responded to a residence on the 300 block of West Clay Avenue for a landlord-tenant dispute.
An investigation into the incident revealed that eleven (11) cats residing inside the residence and living in apparent inhumane conditions, according to police. The cats were kept in separate rooms and there were animal feces and heavy mold throughout the home.
Roselle Park Police Humane Officer Gregory Polakoski responded along with Animal Control Officer Alexander Balaban and veterinarian Dr. Karen Negrin to investigate.
All 11 cats located inside the residence were rescued along with three (3) additional cats that were outside on the property.
The owner of all the cats, James P. Minitelli, age 53 from Roselle Park, was arrested and charged with one (1) count of Animal Cruelty (4th Degree). Mr. Minitelli was issued a summons with a Union County Superior Court date and released on his own recognizance.