A pair of two dogs – one male and one female – between ages 1 and 2 were found March 13 on Oak Avenue behind the Ocean County Mall, Toms River police said.
The dogs, likely a Maltese breed or related mix, were found “abandoned, malnourished, matted, and in need of medical attention.” The female has been cleaned up and groomed by the staff at the Toms River Animal Shelter, and “she is there receiving lots of love,” the police department said in a social media post.
The male is currently at the vet undergoing surgery, but he is expected to make a full recovery.
Officers are investigating the circumstances that led to the dogs being abandoned. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Toms River Police Officer Kevin Oliver at koliver@trpolice.org or Cpl. George Fernicola at gfernicola@trpolice.org.