New Jersey man pleads guilty in the neglect of two dead donkeys

JACKSON, N.J -- Authorities say the owner of two dead donkeys that were found dumped off a Jersey Shore road late last year has pleaded guilty to several charges.

A Jackson Township municipal court official tells the Asbury Park Press that 19-year-old township resident Matt Hills has pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to provide care for the donkeys and one count of illegal dumping.

The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has said one donkey was found dead in a paddock at a local farm, while the other was found on the ground barely breathing in early November.

The SPCA has said the second donkey was euthanized with a gunshot to the head.