12 Abandoned, Matted North Jersey Dogs Recovering

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The 12 severely-matted dogs that were found abandoned in a Paterson house Tuesday are recovering from their ordeal.

The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, the nonprofit that initially took the dogs from the deplorable conditions, is responsible for their care. More than 800 adoption applications for the dogs have been submitted, the shelter said.

Some of the dogs were unable to even see or walk due to their severe matting. Five had to be sedated in order to be properly, and safely, groomed and were sent to the Animal Clinic of Morris Plains.

"Due to the severe nature of their neglect it is clear that theses dogs went for a significant amount of time without proper care," the Oakland-based shelter said. "This isn't the kind of thing that happens in a few months."

The other seven dogs are being groomed and cared for at RBAR.

The group is accepting donations to help the dogs. To make a donation, click here.

Related: Bergen Shelter Caring For 12 Matted, Abandoned Dogs Found In Home

Photo: One of the dogs rescued from an abandoned Paterson house after being groomed.

Photos of the dogs that were rescued from an abandoned house in Paterson Tuesday. /Images courtesy of Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, used with permission