Number Of Dogs Found In South Jersey Woman's Home Increased

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ - A total of 161 living dogs were actually found in the home of a South Jersey woman who has been charged with keeping the animals in inhumane conditions, according to New Jersey State Police.

It was initially reported that 130 living dogs had been found, in addition to the 44 dead dogs that were found in freezer bags and stored in freezers throughout 65-year-old Donna Roberts' Shamong home on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Four of the living dogs were found in critical condition were taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, while the others were evaluated and treated at the scene by animal shelter workers, police said.

The Burlington County Animal Shelter is the lead shelter for taking in the animals, and is coordinating with other shelters in the region, according to the Burlington County Times. About 15-20 dogs went to that shelter. For more on the Burlington County Animal Shelter, visit the county’s website.

The following is a breakdown of where the rest of the dogs went, according to the report:

• St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Morris County: 44 dogs. To make a donation to or adopt a pet from the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, visit sthuberts.org.
• Voorhees based Animal Welfare Association: 30 dogs, some of which were sent to foster homes after receiving care from the organization. To donate to or adopt a pet from the AWA, visit awanj.org.
• The Monmouth County SPCA: More than 30 dogs. To donate to or adopt a pet from the Monmouth County SPCA, visit monmouthcountyspca.org.
• The Burlington County Animal Alliance of New Jersey: 14 dogs that will be put into foster homes before going up for adoption. To make a donation to or adopt a pet from the BCAANJ, visit bcaaofnj.org.
• Atlantic County Canines: 8 dogs. For more information on Atlantic County Canines, visit accofnj.org.
• The rest went to the Cape May County Animal Shelter. For more on the Cape May County Animal Shelter, visit capemaycountynj.gov.

The health inspectors made the discovery during a search of Roberts' home on Oakshade Road in Shamong in accordance with a recently adopted county ordinance concerning the housing of animals, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina.

Upon arrival, they were greeted with a sickening smell and a grisly scene. The home was clouded with the smell of animal feces and ammonia, which police said caused several of the responders to experience dizziness and nausea.

After health inspectors contacted the county prosecutor's office, it obtained a search warrant, which was then executed by state police. Roberts was subsequently charged with animal cruelty. She was released with a pending court date.

The attached image of Donna Roberts was provided by New Jersey State Police.