New dog-hoarding case reported in Jackson

Fewer dogs, worse conditions, than in the Howell Township dog-hoarding case. That's partly how staffers of American Humane Societies and Popcorn Park in Lacey described animals discovered in a Jackson garage. Other adjectives are "filth and misery," and "hell."

According to a release by AHS, the dogs removed in collaboration with Home Free Rescue range in age from five months to young adult, most of which have been inside the structure for their entire lives.

The advocacy group said that the original alert emanated from the New Jersey SPCA, and that the dogs were removed late last week. The owners are described as a couple who "started with a couple of dogs but quickly became overwhelmed."

Popcorn Park's John Bergmann did not identify the couple but noted that the property fronts route 571. The garage was described as being devoid of windows, ventilation and sanitary considerations.

The dogs, rescuers said, were covered in body waste, requiring meticulous and lengthy cleaning and, in some cases, entire-body hair removal. They are also described as unfit for adoption until they are trained to interact with people and with the outside world.. Bergmann did not indicate whether the owners would face any charges, and Jackson police have issued no related information.

Donations to the AHS Res-Q fund can be done through its web page, or by texting HumaneHelp to 41444.