UPDATE: Guilty Pleas Entered In "Sammy The Dog" Case

Written by Patch Editor Colleen Platt

The man once heralded as saving Sammy the dog today entered a guilty plea to abusing him.

Keith Morgan entered pleas of guilty to abuse and animal cruelty, and filing a false report with police.

Shauna Morgan entered guilty pleas to two counts of abuse and neglect. A charge of abandonment was dismissed. Attorneys met for about two hours before the pleas were entered to arrive at the plea bargains.

Judge Robert LePore requested a presentencing report before the pair are sentenced. The charges carry fines, a maximum of six months jail time and up to three years of probation.

Victor Amato, the chief humane law enforcement officer of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, called the plea a "win," because the charges that were dismissed mirrored others charges with which the Morgans had been charged.

Prior to the hearing, about 40 people lined the hallways at The Brick Municipal Court waiting to enter the hearing of the couple. Some wore shirts that said "justice for Sammy."

The Morgans faced animal cruelty charges in connection with the dog, who was initially thought to be found on the side of the road by Keith on March 14 and brought to the Humane Societies in Tinton Falls. The Morgans were later charged.