Punish Owner Of Petting Zoo Where Dead And Malnourished Pigs Were Found

Published: February 22, 2020 at 10:27 AM Author: iamgeeb

Sussex, New Jersey – A New Jersey petting zoo owner is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after dead and malnourished pigs were discovered last August at a property he was leasing in Sussex County.

Dennis Sugar, 47, was recently indicted on multiple charges for the more than 30 pigs who were found dead at the Sugar Sweet Farms petting zoo. In addition to the dead pigs, malnourished piglets and injured and ailing goats were discovered.

Sugar could face up to 13 years in prison if he is found guilty of the charges – please sign the petition to help make this possible! Your signatures will be sent to the prosecutor to let it be known that we care about animal abuse cases and want to see abusers punished for their actions!

Grim details about the petting zoo situation were released in the police report:

Upon arrival, detectives observed around 30 dead pigs and an additional 14 live pigs that were malnourished on Sugar’s farm property. Detectives were able to secure the 14 pigs and called to get them medical attention, with a veterinarian later describing them as emaciated.

The animals at the petting zoo relied upon Sugar for care, but they were failed. Over 30 of the pigs died, and the surviving pigs were malnourished and denied clean water and adequate food. One goat was discovered dead in a hay pile and surviving goats were suffering from parasites and injuries.

Each and every case of animal cruelty must be taken seriously and abusers must be punished. Your signatures will be presented to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office to let officials know that we want this man to be put away.

* Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

UPDATE 3/6/2020: Sugar Sweet Farms has decided to let another organization take over the farm. Dennis Sugar’s court date is set for March 16, 2020. [READ OUR LETTER HERE]

UPDATE 10/20/2020: Animal Victory has sent 4,778 signatures and comments to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. Dennis Sugar is expected in court on October 28, 2020.
UPDATE 12/21/2020: Dennis Sugar’s next court date has been pushed to January 12, 2021.
UPDATE 8/31/2022: Sugar appeared before a New Jersey Superior Court judge and pleaded guilty to two disorderly persons offenses for animal cruelty — a significant downgrade from the original felony charges.
UPDATE 11/3/2022: Dennis Sugar was sentenced to one year of probation, 10 days of community service, fines, and $3,000 in restitution to Tamberline Sanctuary, the organization that rescued the surviving animals. He received NO jail time. The NJ Herald described it as a “heavily negotiated plea deal.READ FULL SENTENCING ARTICLE HERE
UPDATE 5/17/2026: Animal Victory has published an official briefing on Dennis Sugar’s documented history and current operations. Following his conviction, Sugar relocated and has operated under multiple business names, most recently Zen Hooves, conducting traveling events in the Milton, Pensacola, and Panama City areas of Florida. In May 2026, a concerned citizen contacted Animal Victory with information consistent with this pattern. Animal Victory makes no accusations regarding current conduct. All information is drawn from public court records and official legal proceedings.Dennis_Sugar_Official_Briefing 

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