MCSPCA lauded for inquiry into Appolonia case

On behalf of animal lovers everywhere, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) would like to congratulate the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) on its successful investigation of Anthony Appolonia.

As described in a Greater Media Newspapers article, Appolonia pleaded guilty to torturing and killing 19 cats over a three-month period. All 19 cats were obtained through adoption ads in the classified sections of newspapers.

When MCSPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officer Victor Amato was tipped off to Appolonia's actions,

he immediately opened an investigation. Because of the swift action

of Officer Amato and the MCSPCA, Appolonia was quickly apprehended and unable to continue his pattern of torturing and killing cats. Cruelty to animals is a serious offense and the MCSPCA did a commendable job investigating Appolonia's crimes and ensuring that he was held accountable for his horrific actions.

Animal abuse, child abuse and abuse of the elderly are not issues unto themselves. Violence is violence and needs to be taken seriously, and the MCSPCA should be praised for doing so.

The thoroughness with which it investigated Appolonia, along with the speediness of Officer Amato's reaction to the tip he received, is admirable.
Julie Morris
Senior Vice President
Community Outreach
ASPCA, New York City

Editor's note: On Dec. 4, 2008, Anthony Appolonia, 50, of Aberdeen, was sentenced to multiple concurrent five-year New Jersey state prison terms for 19 acts of animal cruelty. The charges pertain to the torture and killing of 19 cats that Appolonia adopted from various individuals.