NJ tabloid reporter turtle smuggler gets 6 months in prisonNJ tabloid reporter turtle smuggler gets 6 months in prisonA Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to six months in prison for trafficking protected turtles. Associated PressAssociated Press
Fishermen snag 500-pound shark off Sandy Hook — Holy mackerel!Fishermen snag 500-pound shark off Sandy Hook — Holy mackerel!The massive catch — nearly 8 feet long — still falls short of the NJ record. Erin VogtErin Vogt
Rabid raccoon bit woman at Cheesequake State Park, officials sayRabid raccoon bit woman at Cheesequake State Park, officials sayA positive rabies test was confirmed a week after the hiker was attacked, health officials said.Erin VogtErin Vogt
Dead humpback whale washes ashore at Sandy HookDead humpback whale washes ashore at Sandy HookA charter boat captain first spotted a whale carcass off NJ's coast Sunday.Erin VogtErin Vogt
You are no longer allowed to lease pets in New JerseyYou are no longer allowed to lease pets in New JerseyGov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill that bars pet dealers from leasing dogs and cats.Associated PressAssociated Press
Heatwave pressure cancels horse races, delays $1M Haskell to 8 p.m.Heatwave pressure cancels horse races, delays $1M Haskell to 8 p.m.Racing officials reacted to mounting pressure on Saturday and canceled six non-stakes horse races and delayed the $1 million Haskell Invitational by two hours.Sergio BichaoSergio BichaoDan AlexanderDan Alexander
Heat is on $1M Haskell race — Horses will run in 100 degreesHeat is on $1M Haskell race — Horses will run in 100 degreesAn onslaught of complaints did not deter Monmouth Park from running the Haskell Invitational on Saturday.Dan AlexanderDan Alexander
Monmouth Park will race horses despite 100-degree heatMonmouth Park will race horses despite 100-degree heatThe Park said protocols are in place to deal with the extreme heat which include moving the start time of the race.Dan AlexanderDan Alexander
NJ’s first ‘cat cafe’ nears 2-year mark, close to 400 adoptionsNJ’s first ‘cat cafe’ nears 2-year mark, close to 400 adoptionsThe idea grew twofold, first out of its founder's house, then drawing on a concept that's been popular in Asian countries for close to two decades.Patrick LaveryPatrick Lavery
Know how to protect your pets from house firesKnow how to protect your pets from house firesToday is, "National Pet Fire Safety Awareness Day," to focus attention on keeping pets safe from fires in the home.Joe CutterJoe Cutter