Heaven’s Owners Plead Not Guilty

A mother and daughter from Asbury Park plead not guilty to charges in the case of a pit bull puppy named 'Heaven' that was taken to a Tinton Falls animal hospital near death. According to the Asbury Park Press, 51-year-old Norma Manuel and 34-year-old Amanda Boyd face four counts of animal cruelty. Boyd's son, Tyshon Taylor, the seven month old puppy's owner, also pleaded not guilty via video conference from the Monmouth County Correctional Center and was released on bail. The women said Heaven was sick causing its condition.

The plight of Heaven has drawn an outpouring of support. The case comes on the heals of the sentencing of a Brick Township couple, sent to jail for six months this week after pleading guilty to neglecting a 15-year-old cocker spaniel named 'Sammy'.

Heaven is said to be walking and eating on his own.