The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and the Monmouth County SPCA are seeking the public's help in a potential animal cruelty case after a dog was found abandoned near the water in the borough of Highlands this morning.

A Highlands resident was walking their dog around 6:15 am in Veterans Memorial Park on Bay Ave when their dog caught the attention of something on the water side of the rock bulkhead.

As the samaritan investigated, they spotted a black wire cage with a small dog cowering inside the cage.

The cage was positioned on a small portion of sand between the bulkhead and the water. with the tide was coming in and the water reaching into the cage.

The good Samaritan climbed over the wall and rescued the dog.

The dog was taken to Highlands Police Department who then called Animal Control followed by the MCPO.

As Animal Control arrived on the scene the cage was almost covered by the rising tide.

Prosecutors say that If it weren't for the heroic rescue act of the good Samaritan, the dog could have potentially drowned.

Due to the tide schedule, investigators estimate that the dog was placed by the water between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM.

The dog is described as a male gray and white Pit Bull, about one-year old.

Anyone who has any information on who owns this dog or may have witnessed anything is asked to notify the MCPO Animal Cruelty Hot Line 877-898-7297 or the Highlands Police Department at (732) 872-1224.

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