NEW BRUNSWICK – A Pennsylvania man who owns a Sayreville pet supply store has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly leaving puppies without food and water at the storefront.

Warren S. Smith, 32, of Morrisville, was charged Friday with 12 counts of animal cruelty, a fourth-degree crime. He is charged one count for each puppy for failing to provide care as the owner responsible for the care of the animals by providing food, water and veterinary care, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski said in a release.

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Sayreville police initiated an investigation on July 24 after receiving a complaint of puppies barking at Petique by Loyal K Nines LLC at 120 Main St. in the borough, according to the release.

Smith was arrested following an investigation by members of the Sayreville Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Middlesex County Department of Health, the release states.

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The investigation determined Smith allegedly left 12 French bulldog puppies, ranging in age from 12 weeks to 3 years, without food and water, and with numerous health and hygiene issues at the store, according to the release.

The store was not authorized to sell animals. All the puppies are alive and improving, according to the prosecutor's office.

Smith is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center in North Brunswick pending his initial court appearance, the release states.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Sayreville Sgt. Mark Zambrzycki at 732-727-4444, or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Jason Mendelson at 732-745- 5948.

Suzanne Russell covers crime, courts and other forms of mayhem from throughout the Central Jersey area for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact her at srussell@gannettnj.com.