Police: Man arrested for leaving pit bull in cage at water's edge in NJ

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An arrest warrant has been issued for Aaron Davis, of Long Branch, who police say left a pit bull puppy to drown in a cage.

FREEHOLD, N.J. (AP) - Authorities have arrested a New Jersey man who is accused of leaving a young pit bull mix to drown in a cage at water's edge in a rising tide.

Aaron Davis faces a court appearance Wednesday. The 36-year-old is charged with animal cruelty, attempting to cause death or serious injury to an animal and other offenses.

A person walking their dog in Veterans Memorial Park in Highlands spotted the small dog cowering in the cage on a portion of sand between a bulkhead and the water as the tide came in on July 31.

MORE: Pit bull left to drown in cage at water's edge in NJ

The person rescued the animal and adopted it. The dog is now known as River.

Davis could face up to five years in prison if convicted of animal cruelty.

Residents are urged to report animal cruelty to the Monmouth County SPCA Animal Cruelty Hot Line at 877-898-7297.

Those interested in donating to the Monmouth County SPCA can do so here.