McCarthy Patrick: Those involved in K9 dog’s death ‘need to step up’

With an investigation underway into the death of a K9 dog under the supervision of Gloucester County fire marshal Shawn Layton, Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy Patrick (R-Mannington), whose district includes around half of Gloucester County, said today that there needs to be accountability for those involved.

“There hasn’t been any accountability,” she said. “Nobody’s stepping up to the plate… I think there are individuals that do need to step up and talk about the incident, and not just cover it up or put it under the carpet.”

McCarthy Patrick, who along with State Sen. Ed Durr (R-Logan) and Assemblywoman Beth Sawyer (R-Woolwich) scored a huge upset against three Democratic incumbents last year, added that she hoped the ongoing investigation from the Gloucester County prosecutor’s office would give a clearer sense of what happened last month.

“I’ve been telling everyone: right now, just let the process work,” she said. “Let the investigation with the prosecutor’s office and whoever else is involved play out. Let them do their job. In the end, there’s going to be a good outcome for K9 Ember, I’m sure.”

Another Gloucester County legislator, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Washington), told the New Jersey Globe that he knew little about the incident but that a dog’s death was always something to mourn.

“That’s sad,” Moriarty said. “I have a dog, and pets are a major, major part of people’s homes and lives. They’re like innocents.”

Neither McCarthy Patrick nor Moriarty, however, are especially close with the Gloucester County Democratic establishment: McCarthy Patrick because of her partisan affiliation, Moriarty because he’s never been a strong ally of the George Norcross-led South Jersey Democratic organization.

Those who are more closely involved with the incident, on the other hand – including Layton, who is also a Mantua township committeeman, and new Gloucester Democratic chairman Chad Bruner – have so far largely avoided making any public comment.