Jennifer Vaz (right) and the young pit bull she saved from drowning appear at a press conference on Tuesay. (Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office)

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By Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The young pit bull likely had less than hour to live before Jennifer Vaz saw the black wire cage half-submerged along the bank of a bay in Highlands on Monday morning.

The rising tide would have soon drowned the dog abandoned and trapped in the cage.

Now, the dog has a name - "River" - and a likely future with his rescuer. Vaz told WABC-7 she plans to adopt River, who is estimated to be 10 months old.

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A pit bull was found early Monday in a partially submerged cage in Highlands. (photo provided)

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River is currently being cared for by the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Eatontown as authorities continue to search for the person who left the dog on the sandy stretch between a bulkhead and the water.

"We're following every lead we have," Monmouth County SPCA Chief Ross Licitra said during a Tuesday press conference to thank Vaz and ask for additional tips.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christoper Gramiccioni said the person responsible could faces three to five years in prison if it can be proven that the person acted intentionally.

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Monmouth County Prosecutor Christoper Gramiccioni talks about the efforts to find the person who abandoned a pit bull in the water in Highlands.

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River also has fellow dog to thank for his rescue.

Vaz was walking her dog Molly around 6:15 a.m. when the pooch alerted her to something in the water. Vaz quickly called the SPCA.

Anyone who may have information about the situation is asked to call the SPCA at 877-898-7297 or Highlands police at 732-872-1224.

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The pit bull rescued from a partially-submerged cage in Highlands has been named River.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.