A Burlington County woman was arrested for keeping more than 160 dogs in deplorable and inhumane conditions, New Jersey State Police announced.
Donna Roberts, 65, of Shamong Township, also had 44 dead dogs packaged in plastic bags and stored in freezers throughout her home, according to the report.
Detectives arrived at the home on Oakshade Road on Tuesday, to help in an inspection by the Burlington County Health Department.
When detectives arrived, they saw evidence of animal cruelty inflicted upon various breeds of dogs on the property, police said.
“The odor of animal feces and ammonia permeated the inside of the residence, which caused several of the responders to experience dizziness and nausea,” according to a news release.
As of Wednesday, 161 living dogs had been recovered from the property.
They all are being evaluated and treated by animal shelter workers.
"Although the circumstances surrounding the demise of the 44 dogs that were discovered inside plastic bags in freezers remain under investigation, the deplorable and inhumane living conditions the rescued dogs were forced to endure is tragic," said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. "Troopers take an oath to protect and safeguard life, including the lives and well-being of pets, which can be vulnerable to abuse."
The Prosecutor’s Office knew an inspection was being done by the Health Department as part of the township’s recently adopted ordinance concerning the housing of animals
“When contact with the occupant raised concerns about the welfare of animals on the property, we sought a search warrant, which was then executed by the State Police,” Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. “We are appalled by the horrendous conditions these dogs were subjected to and, as a result, I authorized charges against the property owner, Donna Roberts. “
Roberts was charged with animal cruelty and released with a pending court date.
