Criminal charges for the needless killing of animals have been filed against Freehold Health Officer Julie Kramer, and Western Monmouth New Jersey Animal Control officers Sharon Gaboff, Cherlann Ambrose and John Domic.

The 25 charges allege that defendants needlessly killed stray animals and failed to comply with the 7-day holding period for stray animals which is mandated by New Jersey law.

The killing of the animals was uncovered by Stuart Goldman of Middletown who previously served as the chief law enforcement officer for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The criminal trial is being heard by Judge George Cieri in Manalapan Municipal Court.

The next trial day is scheduled for May.

This is an important case to watch since the 7-day holding period is often ignored by animal control officers, health officers, pounds and shelters, and the State Department of Health does not actively enforce the law.