Hammonton Residents Indicted on Animal Cruelty CHARGE Gave Heroin to Yorkshire Terrier
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
MAYS LANDING, NJ – On Wednesday June 21, 2023, Clinton Danks, 58, and Kristina Meyers, 37, both of Hammonton, NJ, were indicted by an Atlantic County grand jury for third-degree animal cruelty and third-degree possession of heroin.
On November 17, 2022, police responded to a 911 call about a dog in distress at Wal-Mart in Hammonton. Bystanders called police after they saw a Yorkshire Terrier that appeared unresponsive and unable to breathe. When police arrived, they were met by a bystander attempting to aid the dog. An investigation determined that the dog was exposed to heroin by its owners, Danks and Meyers, who were both still on scene. Police administered a pediatric dose of Narcan to the dog which instantly revived and stabilized the dog. Danks and Meyers were subsequently arrested.
***These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.***
Residents are encouraged to report animal abuse and neglect to law enforcement. Reports can be made to each police department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer or through 911 if the animal’s life is in immediate danger.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or other crimes please contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office website or by clicking on the link ACPO.Tips to provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page.
People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.