Investigators In Hazmat Suits Rescue 40 Dogs From Roselle Home

ROSELLE, NJ — Investigators wearing full hazardous materials suits found more than 40 dogs in severely unsanitary and inhumane living conditions at a Roselle man's home last week, according to authorities.

Evelio Calderon, 40, faces multiple criminal offenses after the search conducted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Roselle Police Department, and the Roselle Board of Health.

Investigators who entered the home on the 700 block of Thompson Avenue in Roselle said the animals were living in squalor, and had been locked inside for an indeterminate amount of time, authorities said. They were forced to go to the bathroom on the floor, according to investigators.

The dogs ranged in age from puppies to seniors, varying widely in breed and size. Several were treated on-site for acute injuries that included open sores, malnourishment, joint problems, and eye issues, according to authorities.

Most of the dogs are expected to survive, but two, who authorities suspect were suffering from shock, were taken to local veterinarians for immediate emergency treatment.

The dogs were taken to shelters across New Jersey, including the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, The Last Resort Animal Rescue in West Milford, and the Edison and Montclair municipal animal shelters.

The investigation was led by SPCA Investigator Tatiana Verenicin-Chan and assisted by Union County Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin and Prosecutor’s Office Detective Vito Colacitti, the newly assigned leaders of the humane animal treatment subsection of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Unit.

Anyone with information on this or who is aware of similar incidents should contact 908-527-4169 or 908-527-4387.

(Images via Union County Prosecutor's Office)

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