Dozens Of Neglected, Dead Animals At NJ Rescue, Owner Charged: Prosecutor

FLEMINGTON, NJ — Rooster's Rescues says it takes in "the abandoned, the abused, the neglected and the unwanted animals of this world." But dozens of animals found similar treatment of the animals at the rescue's property, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office.

Rooster's Rescue Foundation owner Michael B. Featherston faces several charges, including animal cruelty and several firearm offenses, after authorities searched a home and nearby property May 20. They found 71 animals — horses, cows, goats, pigs, roosters and sheep — believed to be neglected or in poor living conditions, the prosecutor's office said.

Authorities seized all animals on the property, got them medical attention and gave them to various rescue groups. The prosecutor's office said several animals were found dead, but it wasn't immediately clear how many.

The home searched has the same address as Rooster's Rescues.

Detectives also found an assault rifle without a serial number, large-capacity magazines and an undisclosed amount of weed, the prosecutor's office said.

Featherston, 52, of Flemington, was charged Thursday with unlawful possession of a weapon (second-degree), purchasing firearm parts to manufacture a firearm without a serial number (third-degree), third-degree cruelty to animals (bodily injury, failure to provide necessary care), prohibited weapons (large-capacity magazines) and marijuana possession (fourth-degree).

Cannabis possession in New Jersey is legal for adults 21 and older and patients in the state's Medical Marijuana Program. But the state recreational laws limit possession to certain amounts.

Featherston secured a 63-acre farm in Hunterdon County before founding Rooster's Rescue Foundation, Inc. The rescue takes in abandoned, abused and neglected animals, according to its website.