Over 270 dogs were rescued from terrible conditions in a New Jersey home, in what is considered as the worst animal hoarding case in the history of Monmouth County.
Asbury Park Press reported that 276 dogs, including a female giving birth, were rescued from a 1,880-square-foot house at Bennett Road in Howell, N.J.
Chief law enforcer for the county's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Ross Licitra said most of the dogs have never even stepped foot outside the house prior the rescue. They were found stacked together in book shelves and improvised platforms. Some were even found inside the walls.
The dogs were discovered to be in "fair" condition but had to be taken to veterinary care.
The residents, Joseph and Charlene Hendricks, were cooperative with the authorities, but it is reported that there will be charges expected for the couple depending on the conditions of the dogs.
The couple said they started having eight dogs three years ago, but the reproduction reportedly was uncontrolled.
The "deplorable" situation, as described by the authorities, was discovered on Thursday night after an animal control officer went to the area to chase down a dog that got loose. The officer suspected that more was going on and contacted the SPCA.
Washington Post reported that after knocking on the door, the officer heard barking that sounded like coming from 20 dogs.
But when the authorities opened the door, they were shocked to find at least 80 dogs looking at them.
A shelf was reportedly built near the living room's ceiling, "like a hamster cage for dogs," said Monmouth sheriff deputy Tierney Park, as per WNBC.
It took half a day for rescue workers in hazmat suits to get all the dogs out, which included terriers, pugs and Chihuahuas.
Licitra said the dogs will be put for adoption, particularly the small breeds. As many as 25 more dogs may be pregnant and could result in about a hundred more puppies, as per ABC News. All the dogs are now being cared for at shelters.
A survey by the American Pet Products Association estimates that from 2015 to 2016, 79.7 million households in the United States have a pet. The Humane Society of the U.S., however, estimates that the percentage of pets living in underserved communities that are not spayed or neutered is at 87 percent. Meanwhile, an estimated 77 percent have not seen a veterinarian.
Animal neglect, such as hoarding in this case, is considered animal cruelty. The Hoarding Animals Research Consortium defines animal hoarding as having more than the typical number of animals as companions and the inability, neglect and denial to provide minimal standards of nutrition, shelter, sanitation and vet care.
All 50 states in the country have animal cruelty laws with provisions stipulating minimal care standards, as per Humane Society. Non-animal agencies like fire and health departments can also step in to force change if the hoarders do not warrant animal cruelty charges. They can cite violations in fire and housing codes to extend help and rescue to the animals.
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