South Jersey dog groomer arrested on drug charges after canine dies in his care

WOODBURY HEIGHTS, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Police in Woodbury Heights are asking the public for more information about a dog groomer recently charged in the death of a canine that went to their business for a routine grooming appointment.

Authorities say on July 12 around 11:30 a.m., an Australian shepherd mix named Harley was dropped off at K9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights for routine grooming.

Police say two hours later, 39-year-old Trevor Hunt, the owner of K9 Kingdom, called Harley’s owner to notify them of the dog’s death. As the owner returned to K9 Kingdom, they called police and met them there.

It was then that police say Hunt became uncooperative with their investigation into what happened to Harley.

The officers obtained a search warrant and in a subsequent search of the property, police say they found a substantial amount of drugs.

Hunt was arrested at the scene and charged with evidence tampering, resisting arrest, and possession of drugs with the intent to distribute. He is currently being held at Salem County Jail.

No official cause of death for Harley has been released, and the investigation is ongoing.