Toms River dog drowning case resumes December 7

Ocean County Court proceedings for the man accused of letting his dog drown in his pickup after it plunged into the icy Toms River last March are scheduled to resume December 7.

A judge adjourned the case today after Andrew L. Mayer, 28, of Toms River, revealed that he would act as his own attorney, according to information from the office of County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Judge James M. Blaney agreed to give Mayer time to review details of the case and to reconsider his self-representation. Mayer resisted Blaney's advice to apply for a public defender or hire a lawyer, officials said.

Mayer faces third degree charges of anitmal cruelty and criminal mischief, each of which carries a potential prison term of up to five years on conviction. He has been free on his own recognizance since charges were filed in connection with the March 1 incident.

Prosecutors contend that he "purposely, knowingly or recklessly failed to provide necessary care for and protection of his dog from harm" after driving onto the river's frozen surface, which gave way under the truck's weight.

Mayer failed to notify authorities when he reached shore, investigators said, prompting a massive, muti-hour rescue operation that activated a U.S. Coast Guard unit, New Jersey State Police land, marine and air crews, and police, fire and first aid squads from Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and Island Heights.