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Published: The Courier, Dec. 11, 2008

State sets precedent for animal cruelty conviction

His name will forever be synonymous with the phrase “cat killer,” particularly in Monmouth County.

But the nation, too, watched as Anthony Appolonia, of Aberdeen Township, received his sentence on Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Monmouth County Courthouse, in Freehold.

Appolonia was arrested on Dec. 21, 2007, by Victor “Buddy” Amato, police chief of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and recently plead guilty to 19 counts of third-degree charges.

The 50-year-old man was sentenced by Judge Edward M. Neafsey to serve five years for each of the 19 counts of animal cruelty toward cats and kittens, concurrently.

Appolonia sat quietly in the courtroom on Thursday, his white socks and black shoes planted firmly on the floor.

Although many in attendance could be heard whispering, “We want him to turn around,” Appolonia remained motionless; he did not look at the audience once, except for when he entered and exited the courtroom.

The audience would later become hushed when Appolonia stood to address the judge prior to his sentencing.

The defendant apologized to his family and friends, speaking in a voice barely above a whisper. “I’m 50 years old,” he said. “I need psychological treatment. I know I do.”

That argument was at the forefront of defense attorney John Koufos’ statement, as well.

Koufos said the defendant’s psychological report even stated Appolonia was “in need of serious psychological treatment,” but that he had received none during his then-349 days in prison.

Koufos attempted to negotiate sentences that would include probation rather than time to be served.

Koufos pointed out that Appolonia is, ultimately, looking at parole sooner rather than later. “If in state prison, his first parole date is imminent,” he said. “His second is May or June. Then parole [board] is going to set how long he has to [serve on parole].”

The attorney advised that, rather than Appolonia’s fate be determined by a system that might not take animal cruelty as seriously as Monmouth County officials did, allow the county to take the defendant’s fate into its own hands.

“There is no facility for what he’s done,” Koufos said. “Consider where he falls in the eyes of parole. [Appolonia] wants treatment.”

The now meager defendant continued to face forward as Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Colucci addressed the judge.

“It wasn’t just about the death of these animals,” Colucci said. “He made them suffer when he first picked them up, strangled them and broke their bones.”

Colucci said Appolonia thinks he is justified because of the hardships in his life, which were additionally cited in the psychological report. Both Colucci and Neafsey said Dr. Daniel Greenfield found no legal psychiatric defense for Appolonia.

“All of us are suffering these days,” Colucci said. “It does not justify what this defendant did. It never will.”

Colucci had with her a large box containing hundreds of letters from across the country. “I don’t think there’s one state that’s not represented,” she said.

The victims were not only the animals themselves, but those who allowed Appolonia to adopt their animals. “They will remember this always,” Colucci said.

Although Neafsey explained that the court was not trying to impart a “feel good” sentence or send a message with the trial of Appolonia, he said the sentence was a just and fair one.

Neafsey said Appolonia’s term would include time already served, approximately one year, and that Appolonia would serve each sentence concurrently in state prison.

Additionally, Neafsey said the plea agreement included several fines, ranging from $50 to $75, on each count of animal cruelty.

Appolonia will be required to serve 40 hours of community service, Neafsey added, a sentence the court was required to impart on the defendant.

However, the judge specifically ordered that Appolonia not serve this time at any SPCA, any municipal animal control program or other program providing care to animals.

Appolonia is not permitted to own or possess any animals or be in any setting with kittens or cats without supervision, Neafsey added.

Amato said he was very happy with the case’s outcome. “It’s never enough [time sentenced],” Amato concluded. “But this is a longtime coming. It will make state history where animal cruelty standards are concerned.”