A rescue organization’s owners are facing animal cruelty charges after nearly 100 maltreated dogs were found on their property in New Jersey. Two operators of the Angels for Animals Network have been charged with six counts of animal cruelty. Following a raid at the organization’s Vernon site, authorities uncovered several deceased animals along with the maltreated dogs.
Authorities have rescued nearly 100 mistreated, abused dogs from New Jersey group
Two individuals, Gizela Juric and Ronald Colgan, associated with the Angels for Animals Network are facing animal cruelty charges, the New Jersey Herald reported. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), authorities discovered about 100 mistreated dogs and numerous dead animals at the rescue site on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The dogs found by the ASPCA, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, and Vernon police were of diverse breeds, sizes, and ages. These dogs were living in their own waste on the property while being exposed to hazardous levels of ammonia, the society said.
In addition, many animals had severely matted coats, with one even having its nails entangled in its fur. Numerous dogs were underweight and had untreated eye infections, injuries, or other medical issues. Tragically, many dogs were found living in cars, while others were already dead.
Subsequently, the ASPCA transported the dogs to its cruelty recovery center, where the animals received temporary shelter, medical care, and behavioral treatment.
ASPCA’s senior director of investigations, Teresa Ladner, said, “The ASPCA is grateful to be in a position where we can collaborate with local agencies across the country to provide critical resources and expertise to rescue at-risk animals and bring them to safety.” Continuing, she added, “It’s clear these dogs were not receiving adequate treatment despite the fact that they were under the care of a self-described animal rescue group.”
Further, the ASPCA revealed that Juric faced animal cruelty charges before this on Feb. 2 as well, following the death of another dog under care.
The investigation is underway and additional charges are reportedly pending.
