The defendant in an animal-welfare case that spawned waves of controversy avoids time behind bars, but is barred from owning any pets for the rest of his life.

Townsquare Digital
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Clifford Robbins, 76, of Toms River, was accused of exterminating his dog, Mocha, with exhaust fumes from his car.

He was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service, plus mental health counseling, according to information from the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato. In addition, he was ordered to surrender his pet cat to an animal-rescue group and waive his right to own a pet.

The April 14 discovery by township police of the dog in an animal carrier, sealed and connected to the car's tailpipe, prompted the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) to seek Prosecutor's advice regarding whether charges were appropriate. The interaction spurred the county probe.

Robbins was indicted on August 21 for Mocha's death. During the invesgation, animal-rights defenders regularly attended Toms River Township Council meetings to seek the intervention of elected officials and police.

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