Pets
Over 60 Dogs Rescued From 'Horrific' Conditions In Middletown
The Monmouth County SPCA raided a home in Belford Monday, where they say 60 small dogs were kept in cages, covered in their own waste.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A call to the Monmouth County Animal Cruelty Hotline resulted in more than 60 small dogs rescued from living "in absolutely horrific conditions" in the Belford section of Middletown on Monday, according to the Monmouth County SPCA.
It was a family member who called the animal cruelty hotline about the home on 7th Street in Belford, said SPCA spokeswoman Lindsay Sanator.
"Many of these poor animals were so matted in their own urine and feces that they could barely walk in their small, excrement-filled kennels and were forced to drink out of filthy water bowls, if any was accessible at all," wrote the agency.
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According to the group, the home was "sweltering" in Monday's 100+-degree heat, and the stench of ammonia "so strong it burned their eyes."
Several pregnant dogs were recovered along with newborn puppies just hours old.
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According to Sanator, criminal charges will be pending against the home's owner, an individual who has not yet been identified.
"We are appalled and saddened by what we found today and will be sure to bring the highest count of charges allowable by law forward to this individual," she wrote. "Special thanks to Middletown Township Police Department and Middletown Animal Control for providing extra assistance throughout the ordeal."
Monmouth County Animal Cruelty Hotline: (877) 898-7297. If it is an immediate emergency, please call 732-542-0040 or call 911.
All of the dogs will be available for adoption at some point, but they are also in need of groomers as well as foster homes ASAP.
If you can provide grooming services please email barbara@monmouthcountyspca.org. If you can provide a foster home without small children, please email fostering@monmouthcountyspca.org. You can donate through Facebook or by clicking here: bit.ly/32DzJzC
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