Following a discovery of 47 dogs living in their own filth earlier this month, animal cruelty charges have been filed against the owner of a bi-level home in Hopatcong, the New Jersey Herald reported.

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The publication said that Lester Vogt faces 94 counts of failure to provide necessary care of a living animal or creature — 47 counts each for fourth-degree aggravated cruelty to animals and the civil disorderly persons charge of cruelty to animals.

The dogs were found to be severely dehydrated and covered in urine and feces, according to the Herald, and have been taken to animal shelters in Sussex and Warren counties. Many had puncture wounds from apparent fighting; one dog had a severed artery in its mouth and another had one of its paws chewed off, the Herald reported.

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Patrick Lavery produces "New Jersey's First News" and is New Jersey 101.5's morning drive breaking news reporter. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.

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