Scotch Plains, NJ resident Aiden R. Turso was charged with multiple animal cruelty offenses. The investigation into the case was led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Plainfield Police Department, and the Scotch Plains Police Department.
On November 3, 2020, members of the Plainfield Police Department responded to a call of a suspicious item being dumped on the side of the road and that the item was a deceased body of a severely malnourished pit bull. After a thorough investigation, it was revealed that Turso had three pets that had suffered severe neglect; the pit bull, named Cinnamon; a second dog named Jax, and a cat named Buddy.
Jax was surrendered to the Humane Society in emaciated condition later in November and Buddy was euthanized in late December after being taken to a local veterinarian in a comatose state. Turso was charged with two counts of third-degree failure to provide necessary care to an animal, leading to its death; two counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty offenses; and fourth degree hindering apprehension. Turso has an initial appearance scheduled to take place in Union County Superior Court on Friday, February 19, 2021.
he charges are accusations, and the defendant will remain innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution into the case will be led by Lyndsay V. Ruotolo. The Plainfield Police Department is under the supervision of Lisa Burgess. The Scotch Plains Police Department is under the supervision of Chief Ted Conley.
