LACEY – Their names were Gizmo, Fred and Kobe, three dogs who died of neglect but as a tribute to them and to show unity against animal cruelty, a vigil will be held Saturday, November 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gille Park on Manchester Avenue, Forked River.
A memorial candle light vigil will note the recent tragedy that involves a township woman who was arrested and charged yesterday on three counts of animal cruelty for abandoning the dogs who were in her care within the Lacey residence she vacated.
Lacey police responded to the residence for a report that dogs had possibly been abandoned in there. Upon arrival, the officers determined that the house had been abandoned, and discovered the remains of the three dogs.
Members of the Lacey Police Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that DeStefano was responsible for the care of the dogs and had abandoned them resulting in their deaths.
DeStefano was arrested without incident, and processed at the Lacey Police Department. She was released on a summons pending a future court date.
One Facebook post from an organizer of the planned vigil noted that “three beautiful dogs lost there life due to aeglectful owner that abandoned them to starve to death.”
“Gizmo, Fred and Kobe were such amazing dogs that did not deserve this,” the vigil’s organizer stated.
