Man killed girlfriend’s toy poodle, abandoned another, authorities say

A 35-year-old Asbury Park man killed one of his girlfriend’s dogs and abandoned the other following an argument between the couple earlier this month, authorities said.

Nicholas C. Winter texted the woman while she was at work, threatening to harm the toy poodles, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said.

One dog, a 12-year-old male named Bentley, was found dead at a home on Locust Drive in Asbury Park at about 4 a.m. on June 4, officials said. Sophia, a 14-year-old female was missing, but found in the area a few hours later, authorities said.

Winter, who was arrested on Tuesday, is charged with third-degree animal cruelty resulting in death. He was also charged with abandoning a domestic animal, a disorderly persons offense.

A necropsy performed on Bentley showed he died as a result of being beaten, the prosecutor’s office said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.