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Eatontown Today
By the People, for the People
Dog Allegedly Stabbed by Owner Remains at Monmouth County Animal Shelter
Pitbull named Trouble was stabbed by his owner during a domestic dispute, and the criminal case has not yet been resolved.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A 62-year-old Eatontown, New Jersey resident named Malcom Rogers was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and illegal weapons offenses after allegedly stabbing his pitbull named Trouble in the chest with a kitchen knife during a domestic violence incident in January. Trouble survived the attack but has remained in the care of the Monmouth County SPCA while the criminal case is pending, as Rogers is contesting the case in court.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges that animal welfare organizations face when legal proceedings drag on, leaving animals in limbo for extended periods. The Monmouth County SPCA is working to advocate for legislative improvements that would help animal cruelty cases move more efficiently, reducing stress on animals and allowing them to begin healing sooner.
The details
According to the police report, on January 3, Malcom Rogers stabbed his pitbull Trouble in the chest with a kitchen knife, causing a severe laceration. Rogers was arrested and charged with third-degree animal cruelty and a third-degree illegal weapons offense. Trouble survived the stabbing after undergoing surgery, but was confiscated by Monmouth County SPCA law enforcement officers. However, because Rogers is contesting the case in court, Trouble is legally required to remain in the SPCA's care until the criminal case is resolved.
- On January 3, Rogers allegedly stabbed his dog Trouble.
- Rogers was arrested and charged following the incident.
The players
Malcom Rogers
A 62-year-old Eatontown, New Jersey resident who was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and illegal weapons offenses for allegedly stabbing his pitbull named Trouble.
Trouble
A pitbull dog that was allegedly stabbed by his owner Malcom Rogers in a domestic violence incident. Trouble survived the attack but remains in the care of the Monmouth County SPCA while the criminal case is pending.
Monmouth County SPCA
The animal welfare organization that confiscated Trouble and is caring for him while the criminal case against his owner is ongoing. The SPCA has launched a fundraising page to cover Trouble's medical and boarding costs.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Malcom Rogers out on bail as the criminal proceedings continue.
The takeaway
This case underscores the need for more efficient legal processes in animal cruelty cases, so that abused animals like Trouble can begin the healing process sooner rather than languishing in shelters for extended periods while their owners contest the charges against them.
