Dog Seized in Animal Cruelty Investigation

On 1/13/22, Riverside Police were contacted regarding a possibly neglected animal. The caller stated she saw a Facebook post regarding a black and white Husky that appeared to be in distress. Officers were able to locate the female that was temporarily holding onto the dog and spoke with her regarding the situation. The female stated she found a loose dog earlier and that she would be taking the dog to the vet for an evaluation because she believed it to be mistreated and malnourished. Ptl Snow spoke to the vet where the Husky was taken and based on the examination conducted by the veterinarian, there was probable cause to issue a complaint against the owner of the dog. The owner, Mustafa Karamuk, a 31 year old male from Riverside, was charged with 4:22-17a(4); a form of animal cruelty in which the owner fails to provide proper care. Karamuk was advised to respond to the Riverside Township Police Department, where he was issued his copy of the summons and released. While at the station, Karamuk declined to forfeit ownership of the dog. As a result, the dog is being held at the Burlington County Animal Shelter pending the outcome of the court case.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.