PRINCETON: Five more abuse charges brought against dog trainer

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   A Megan’s Law offender from Princeton, already accused of killing one dog and abusing another, was charged Thursday with committing animal cruelty against two dogs he owns last year.
   Princeton Animal Control Officer Mark Johnson said Thursday that a past acquaintance of Michael G. Rosenberg has come forward claiming to have witnessed the alleged abuse of mixed-breed dogs, Kizer and Stanford, during a span from February to August. The witness, a man, claims that Mr. Rosenberg allegedly threw the pets seven to eight feet across a room, Mr. Johnson said.
   Moreover, the witness claimed Mr. Rosenberg also would pick Kizer up and throw the dog down on its back on a concrete floor, something that allegedly would happen a minimum of once a week, Mr. Johnson alleged. The witness came forward in late December, although it took some time before Mr. Johnson could schedule an interview.
   Mr. Johnson said he brought five charges of animal cruelty against Mr. Rosenberg, just the latest in a string of allegations about the 31-year-old Birch Avenue resident. Three of the charges are disorderly persons offenses, while the others are civil, Mr. Johnson said.
   Mr. Rosenberg, described as a dog trainer, allegedly killed a female shepherd mix in August; the dog owner had left her pet with him. More recently, a second woman came forward saying that Mr. Rosenberg picked up her bull terrier and threw the dog to the ground.
   Mr. Rosenberg has a prior criminal conviction for endangering the welfare of a child; he had a consensual sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, according to the state police’s website, where he is listed as a Megan’s Law offender. He received a suspended four-year sentence.
   Mr. Johnson said Mr. Rosenberg has been locked up for a probation violation.