A Jefferson woman was arrested Tuesday and accused of drowning a 10-week-old puppy found in a West Milford pond, authorities said.

Tonya Fea, 47, is allegedly responsible for the death of the young golden retriever found April 30 inside a crate in the pond off Bonter Road, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. Fea was charged with animal cruelty and trespassing.

A Last Resort rescue officer noticed the crate with a vase inside and wee-wee pads with some blood on them stuck to the side of the dog's head, according to a Facebook post from the rescue group.

Fea confessed to putting the dog in the water when questioned by detectives but said it was already dead, according to an affidavit of probable cause. However, an autopsy showed the dog died of asphyxiation from water, the affidavit states.

The dog was named Jenny after it was found by the rescue group. West Milford police and the Prosecutor's Office were flooded with tips after the dog died last week, according to the affidavit. Authorities received two anonymous tips naming Fea, the affidavit states.

A detective contacted West Milford Animal Hospital, and an employee told him Fea and her husband were longtime clients. Fea had made an appointment for a golden retriever puppy scheduled for the same day the dog was found, according to the affidavit.

She did not show up and did not call to cancel.

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Last Resort raised money for a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case, reaching $12,000. It was not immediately clear whether the reward was claimed.

Fea was released from custody Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court May 22. A number listed for Fea is not in service.

Anyone with additional information about this incident can contact the Prosecutor's Office at 1-811-370-7276 or at tips@passaiccountynj.org or West Milford Detective Eric Darnsteadt at 973-728-2801.

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com