Police: Dogs that allegedly attacked 12 people have not been vaccinated for rabies

Three dogs that allegedly terrorized an Ocean County neighborhood have apparently not been vaccinated against rabies, despite it being required by law.

Little Egg Harbor Police Chief Richard Buzby says that Esau Morales, the dogs’ owner, had maintained that the dogs had received their shots. But Buzby says that it was revealed in a court hearing on Friday that no vaccinations had been given.

Morales did not enter a plea during the hearing. The 26-year-old is charged with maintaining a nuisance and other counts.

Authorities say that Morales’ dogs have bitten at least 12 people in town. The latest dog attack occurred on Monday, when police said a 69-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man sustained multiple dog bites.

Video taken from a neighbor’s security camera shows one neighbor attempting to fight off the dogs with what appears to be a metal pole before police arrived. Six residents were bitten on Monday. There have been seven incidents overall.

Buzby says that it is believed that there are additional victims who have not reported the dog bites to the police. He is asking those people to come forward.

Morales could face fines and a potential 90-day county jail sentence if he is convicted.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.