Atlantic City, NJ, Man is Indicted on Animal Cruelty Charges

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that an Atlantic City, New Jersey man has been indicted on animal cruelty charges as follows:

“On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, an Atlantic County grand jury returned a multiple count indictment charging Jahlil McNeal, 23, from Atlantic City, NJ with several counts of animal cruelty, witness tampering, and theft of services. On two separate occasions it is alleged that McNeal abandoned multiple pit bull mix dogs by throwing them over the fence at the Humane Society of Atlantic County, located next to Route 30. Both incidents occurred during the middle of the night when the Humane Society was closed. The first incident occurred on April 8, 2024, when McNeal hoisted and threw three dogs over the fence. The second abandonment occurred on July 15, 2024, when McNeal threw his pit bull mix, known then as Brenda, over the fence causing her to fall and roll onto her side. When staff arrived, Brenda was found to have severe scarring from some form of chemical or temperature burns on large sections of her back. She was evaluated and treated by the staff at the Humane Society,” said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Security cameras caught both incidents, confirming that the same man was responsible for throwing the dogs over the fence at the Humane Society.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the public was materially responsible for identifying McNeal.

A joint investigation by the Humane Law Enforcement Officer, along with the Atlantic City Police Department, resulted in McNeal being charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty … for each of the four dogs he abandoned.

It was also determined that there is permanent scarring on Brenda's back, McNeal was indicted for failure to providing proper veterinary care for her.

This willful neglect resulted in bodily injury. McNeal was also charged with theft of services and witness tampering.

“The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office thanks the Humane Law Enforcement Unit of the Atlantic City Police Department, the Humane Society of Atlantic County, and, importantly, the public for their assistance in this matter. We ask the citizens of Atlantic County to report animal cruelty and neglect to their local police departments.”

If you have information about this, or, any crime, you may contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor's Office Website at ACPO. Tips and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office also partners with Crime Stoppers, who you can contact anonymously.

You can call them at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

SOURCE: Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.