South Jersey Woman Indicted After 44 Dead Dogs Found In Her Home

SHAMONG TOWNSHIP, NJ — A South Jersey woman has been indicted in connection with the deaths of 44 dogs that were found in freezer bags in her home last year, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced on Wednesday.

Donna Roberts, 66 of Shamong, has been indicted on eight counts of third-degree animal cruelty, authorities announced.

The indictment was returned on Tuesday and signed by First Assistant Prosecutor Philip S. Aronow. An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court in Mount Holly.

Roberts was arrested in November of last year by New Jersey State Police after they discovered 44 dog carcasses placed in plastic bags and stored in freezers throughout her home, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Investigators also discovered 161 living dogs, four of which were in critical condition and required emergency treatment at a veterinary clinic, according to the prosecutor. Read more here: 44 Dead Dogs Found In Freezers At South Jersey Home: Police

The investigation began after officials were notified by a neighbor that something was wrong at Roberts’ house after he heard dogs howling outside her home shortly after he moved in. Read more here: They Thought It Was A Paradise. Then They Heard The Dogs Cry

Officials inspected her home in November 2018, at which time they discovered dogs living in deplorable conditions, according to authorities. After obtaining a search warrant, they searched the entire home and discovered the extent of the neglect, authorities said.

The remaining dogs were evaluated and treated at the scene. In the immediate aftermath, multiple agencies came forward to assist with the care of those dogs, most of which were then placed for adoption.

Roberts was not detained pending trial, but has been forbidden by a judge from owning, possessing or caring for any animals. Read more here: Number Of Dogs Found In South Jersey Woman's Home Increased

The investigation was conducted by the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Burlington County Health Department. The case was presented to the grand jury by Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Handy.