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Ex-Elmwood Park Family Still Seeking Dog Lost In July By 'Negligent' Sitter

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — Two women, one formerly of Bergen County, have filed a civil suit against their pet sitter.

Rosa Cinque is hoping someone can help her find Lexie.

Rosa Cinque is hoping someone can help her find Lexie.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Rosa Cinque of North Caldwell -- formerly of Franklin Lakes, Elmwood Park and Wayne -- along with Gina Luongo of Fairfield have filed a complaint against sitter Nicole DeBellis of Fairfield.

Cinque's dog, Lexie, an 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier -- has been missing since July, while in DeBellis' care, according to Cinque's attorney, Darren DelSardo of Woodland Park.

Luongo's Maltese-Shih Tzu mix Louie was in DeBellis' care when he was attacked, losing one of his eyes and suffering many injuries, according to the lawsuit.

The suit cites two other instances in the past decade in which DeBellis lost two other dogs.

"We are dealing with repeated acts [of negligence]," DelSardo told Daily Voice. "Someone has to stand up to this type of conduct."

According to the lawsuit, Cinque hired DeBellis to care for Lexie on July 27, while she and her family went away. When they returned two days later, they were informed of the dog's disappearance, more than one day and several hours after Lexie went missing, according to the paperwork.

"[DeBellis] ceased any attempts to or commitment to locate Lexie within the 24 hours after her disappearance," the suit states. 

"It appeared to [Cinque' it was 'just another day at the office' for [DeBellis]."

Lexie's disappearance has cost Cinque thousands of dollars, along with emotional distress, the suit states.

DeBellis faces counts of negligence and a breach of contract.

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