Police discovered the bodies of at least 30 dogs this week at a property in southern New Jersey, and two people have been charged with both animal cruelty and endangering children.
Investigators estimate that up to 100 canines passed away in the house, many of which are thought to have been interred there. According to the Evesham Police Department, on Monday, officers discovered multiple cats, bunnies, and both live and dead canines inside the home, as reported by NBC News.
Nine of the live canines, including three that were in "extremely poor health," were transferred to an animal hospital for treatment, according to the authorities. Eventually, one of the dogs had to be put to death.
Several Unhealthy Dogs and a Child
In the Philadelphia suburb of Evesham, Rebecca Halbach, 35, and Brandon Leconey, 32, were taken into custody on Monday. After a representative of a North Carolina-based animal rescue organization, which had provided the couple money to care for some of its pets, saw several hungry and sick canines roaming the property, they called the police.
According to the authorities, a 9-year-old boy who lived in the house was taken out because of the "unhealthy conditions" and given to child welfare authorities. He didn't seem to be related to Halbach or Leconey.
Before detectives could enter the house, it needed to be thoroughly ventilated after they arrived on the scene.
Public records did not have a phone number for Halbach or Leconey, and officials were not of whether either had retained a lawyer who could speak on their behalf. As the investigation goes on, further charges may be brought, according to the authorities.
Halbach was being examined by a doctor at a hospital for an unidentified medical problem, while Leconey was being held at the Burlington County Jail.
Read also: New Animal Cruelty Law Set By FBI Going Into Effect Next Year [REPORT]
Animal Cruelty in Philadelphia
In 2021, there were over 5,000 reports of animal cruelty in Philadelphia. This number is likely underreported, as many cases of animal cruelty go undetected. The most common forms of animal cruelty in Philadelphia are neglect and physical abuse. Neglect is the failure to provide animals with food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Physical abuse is the intentional infliction of pain or injury on an animal.
Animal cruelty can have a devastating impact on both the animals and the people who witness it. Animals who are abused or neglected are often suffering from physical and psychological trauma. They may also be more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. People who witness animal cruelty may also be traumatized, and they may develop feelings of anger, sadness, and helplessness.
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