20 Essex County Dogs, Puppies Rescued From Filthy Conditions

IRVINGTON, NJ — Animal control officers have rescued more than 20 dogs from squalid living conditions in an Irvington home, authorities say.

The dogs - adult and puppy boxer mixes - were found “living in squalor in tiny cages and carriers filled with feces,” according to the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter’s Newark facility, which received a call about the animals on Monday.

No owner was present at the time that the cruelty complaint or during the removal of the animals from the home, shelter staff reported.

“It looked as if it had been quite some time since the dogs were cared for by anyone, as evidenced by the filth that they were living in and the malnourished appearance of most of the dogs,” staff wrote on a social media post.

Shelter staff stated that it wasn’t clear what the owner’s intent for the animals was, but said that “they were not being treated as family pets.”

The NJ SPCA is conducting an investigation, shelter staff stated.

The Associated Humane Societies wrote that its shelters have taken in several large groups of dogs and cats from various hoarding and cruelty cases in recent months, and asked for the public’s help collecting resources to care for the new animals. More information about the organization’s “ResQ Fund” can be seen here.

• See related article: Howell Dogs Rescued From Hoarding Situation Still Too Traumatized For Adoption
• See related article: 2 Dogs Left To Suffer On Hot, Tarry N.J. Rooftop

Photos: Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter

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