BROWNS MILLS, NJ — A couple from Browns Mills was arrested after a dog was shot, canines were kept in "deplorable" conditions at their facility, and fake stories surfaced online to solicit donations, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said.
Thomas Thompson, 37, and Brooke Thompson, 34, operated "Gone Rogue Girls Rescue" and were charged with two counts of third-degree animal cruelty among other offenses.
In October, the Mullica Township Police Department contacted the Prosecutor's Office about a report from a resident who said their foster dog was killed by the Thompsons.
According to the statement she gave, they went to her home in April to vaccinate a pit bull named "Biggie Smalls" that was from their rescue.
The dog got aggressive and tried to bite Brooke. Thomas got a gun out from his waistband and shot the pit bull in the head.
The Thompsons then put the dog in a bag and took it with them.
In early November, the rescue made an online fundraiser for memorial donations after organizers claimed the dog was humanely euthanized, officials said.
The description said Biggie Smalls was buried after he fought an aggressive form of cancer.
The rescue appeared to end operations in October after rumors of the dog being shot were shared on social media.
On Thursday, both Thompsons were taken into custody and to the Burlington County Jail after a search warrant was carried out at their property.
Their home is situated on the same lot as the kennels.
Feces and urine covered the overcrowded kennels with some dogs not having a way to get water, according to authorities.
Twelve dogs were rescued from the property and taken to the Burlington County Animal Shelter to get medical care and are in recovery.
The animals may be available for adoption in the future, officials added.
Thomas was also charged with two counts of second-degree unlawful possession of weapons and Brooke was charged with third-degree theft by deception.
Authorities believe more dogs were killed illegally. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office through their website.
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