Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Contact:  Sheriff Michael F. Strada

March 20, 2026                                                        973-579-0850

Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case

Sheriff Michael Strada and the Sussex County Sheriffs Crimestoppers announce that a critical tip they received has resulted in multiple arrests.

Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Robert Ciemniecki, 74; and Kaila McNeill, 30, all of Phillipsburg, NJ were arrested by the New Jersey State Police following an investigation involving approximately 40 dogs that were dumped and abandoned throughout Sussex County.

Thanks to the swift response of Law Enforcement, animal rescue personnel and volunteers many of the dogs were safely recovered however unfortunately some were found deceased.

This case marks a perfect example of how even a small tip can result in an arrest or arrests of individuals responsible for such heinous acts.  Community involvement played such a crucial role in both protecting these vulnerable animals and bringing these offenders to justice. 

The Sussex County Sheriffs Crimestoppers extends its sincere gratitude to the anonymous tipster whose information proved to be critical in solving this case.

 “If not for the information provided through this Crimestoppers tip this case may have gone unsolved, we are incredibly thankful for all of the tips we received in reference to this case”

The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the dedicated efforts of New jersey State Police Troop B, Detectives and Officers with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, volunteers and Animal Control Officers from Newton and Wantage who provided essential support and care for the recovered animals. 

This incident serves as a reminder that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Sussex County and those responsible will be held accountable.