NJ Couple Reportedly Hoarded 276 Dogs, Could Face Criminal Charges

Authorities in Howell New Jersey are still trying to determine whether criminal charges need to be filed against the owners of a local home that allegedly housed 276 dogs. Howell NJ police officers recently had to rescue the animals from the house, which is located on Bennett Road.

This has been called “the worst hoarding case” in the history of Monmouth County and one of the worst cases of hoarding to ever happen in New Jersey, according to the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The rescue operation took an entire day, with workers emerging from the home with their “arms full of puppies.” The rescue workers wore hazmat suits in order to protect against contamination. This was deemed necessary because the conditions inside the Howell NJ home were said to be deplorable, with many of the animals covered in their own excrement and filth.

When the rescue workers entered the house, they reportedly found dogs perched on book shelves and trapped inside walls.

The dogs that were rescued by police include a variety of breeds, such as Chihuahuas, pugs and terriers. Law enforcement is still investigating the matter as they attempt to figure out exactly how this unfortunate situation came to be. The owners of the house reportedly told Howell NJ investigators that they initially owned only eight dogs; within three years, many of the dogs had reproduced, resulting in a much larger number of animals in the home.

Will There Be Criminal Charges for Animal Neglect?

At this time, the suspects have not been criminally charged in the case. However, that could soon change as Monmouth County NJ prosecutors look into the matter. If it is determined that the dogs were mistreated in any way, the suspects would likely face criminal charges for allowing animals to live in inhumane conditions and for failing to provide veterinary care to the animals.

At this time, the condition and health status of the dogs has been described by authorities as “fair.” Additionally, law enforcement indicated that rescue workers did not find any dead animals inside the Howell New Jersey home.

Meanwhile, Ross Licitra, the chief law enforcement officer for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has insisted that the suspects need to be charged so that officials can “get the message out to people” that this sort of animal mistreatment is unacceptable.

For more information, read the WashingtonPost.com article, “‘Like a Hamster Cage for Dogs’: Rescuers Discover 276 Dogs Packaged inside New Jersey Home.”

If you or a loved one has been accused of a criminal offense in New Jersey, you could be subject to severe penalties that include heavy fines and even jail time. That’s why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact John W. Tumelty now for a free consultation about your case.