Trapped and Terrorized: The Disturbing Story of a Daughter in a Dog Cage
Parents accused of confining their daughter within a dog kennel. - Kid confined within dog kennel by parents
In a shocking tale, a pair in New Jersey is under scrutiny for keeping an 18-year-old young lady caged up like a dog for years, later restraining her in a bathroom. She asserts she was sexually abused and subjected to brutal beatings, as per media reports. It's said she managed to break free from their clutches a few days back, according to the "USA Today" newspaper.
The alleged abuse began in 2018 when she was taken out of school in the sixth grade. According to a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, she was then forced to live in a dog crate, only occasionally being granted freedom.
New Jersey: A Toilet Bucket and Handcuffs
Later, she was confined to a bathroom and then an empty room, with only a bucket to use as a toilet. She was also occasionally chained with handcuffs. The 41-year-old stepfather is accused of sexually abusing her. "This is one of the most despicable incidents I've witnessed," ABC quoted the police chief of Gloucester Township, David Harkins.
Afterwards, her 13-year-old sister was pulled out of school, presumably to prevent her from revealing any secrets, as ABC reported. The parents allegedly took advantage of the home-schooling option available in the state of New Jersey.
- Child Abuse Laws in New Jersey
- Homeschooling Laws in New Jersey
- Gloucester
- USA
Child Abuse Laws in New Jersey
In New Jersey, child abuse is seen as a grave issue, with stringent laws in place to safeguard children. The state mandates certain individuals to report suspected child abuse, and neglecting to report can result in penalties. Recently, there's been an effort to increase penalties for non-cooperation with child abuse investigations and for failure to report abuse, as displayed in Assembly Bill 5665, which was introduced in May 2025.
The statute of limitations for crimes like endangering a child's welfare or criminal sexual contact with minors extends to 5 years after the victim's 18th birthday, or 2 years after the victim discovers the crime, whichever is later.
Homeschooling Laws in New Jersey
Compared to some other states, New Jersey's homeschooling laws are comparatively lenient. Although there are no specific laws requiring homeschooling registration or approval, parents must provide a comprehensive education that is "equivalent to that provided in the public schools." (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25)
Using dog cages for confinement of children is nowhere explicitly mentioned in the search results. However, it would likely fall under the broader category of child abuse and neglect, which are punishable offenses in New Jersey. Such actions could be considered as endangering a child, which is a severe offense.
The specific penalties would depend on the nature of the offense and the evidence presented in court. It's crucial to note that while specific laws regarding homeschooling and using dog cages for confinement were not detailed in the search results, child abuse and neglect are serious offenses in New Jersey with severe legal consequences. Using dog cages for confinement would likely be considered a form of child abuse or endangerment, which is illegal and punishable by law.
- In New Jersey, where the disturbing story of a daughter trapped in a dog cage unfolded, child abuse is considered a grave issue with stringent laws in place to protect children.
- The parent's alleged use of a dog cage to confine their daughter might fall under the broader category of child abuse and neglect, which are punishable offenses in New Jersey.
- Using a dog cage for confinement could be considered as endangering a child, a severe offense in the state of New Jersey, carrying its own specific legal penalties.
- In an effort to increase accountability, New Jersey has recently introduced Assembly Bill 5665, which aims to increase penalties for non-cooperation with child abuse investigations and for failure to report abuse.
