UPDATE: As ASPCA Gains Ownership of Rescued Dogs, Their Next Chapter Can Begin

Latest Update: May 15, 2024

This past February, the ASPCA assisted local authorities in the removal of more than 90 dogs from a property in New Jersey. The rescued dogs were transported to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC), a facility in Columbus, Ohio where we provide specialized treatment for animals rescued from largescale cases of suspected neglect and abuse. Ownership of the dogs from this case was recently transferred to the ASPCA — an important development in this case, allowing for the dogs’ placement journey to begin.

While at the CRC, ASPCA sheltering, veterinary and behavior experts provided the animals with much-needed care. Upon arriving at our facility, many of the dogs demonstrated fear, which can be common with animals who have had little-to-no human interaction. Many of the dogs panicked, fled or defecated when in the presence of humans.

To help socialize the animals to prepare them for adoption, they received behavioral treatment sessions that targeted their individual needs. Over time, the dogs have learned that humans are not so scary, have become comfortable walking on leash and now even enjoy being pet!

In addition, many of the dogs had medical concerns that impacted their quality of life. Many received treatment for tick-borne illnesses and other parasites, were extensively groomed and bathed due to dirty and matted coats, many received dental surgery, and some were treated for conditions that required specialized consultations in cardiology, ophthalmology and orthopedics.

Receiving legal custody of the animals allows us to begin placing the dogs directly into new homes and with our network of shelter partners across the country who will make them available for adoption.

February 23, 2024

Earlier this week, at the request of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Vernon Township Police Department, we assisted in the removal of more than 90 maltreated dogs from the property of a self-described animal rescue group in Vernon Township, New Jersey. The animals, who consisted of varying breeds, sizes and ages including young puppies, were seized by law enforcement after they were found living in filthy conditions among their own feces and urine and exposed to high levels of ammonia. Some of the animals had dirty, severely matted coats, including one dog who was found with nails matted into their fur. Some dogs were underweight and had untreated medical conditions including eye infections and injuries. Several dogs were living in cars, and deceased dogs were also found on the property.

“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,” said Teresa Ladner, senior director of Investigations for the ASPCA. “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, and we commend the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Vernon Township Police Department for intervening to help end their suffering.”

Acting Supervising Assistant Prosecutor/Special Deputy Attorney General Brent Rafuse of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the owners of the property have been charged in a criminal complaint with six counts of animal cruelty charges relating to both the deceased dogs found on the property as well as the failure to provide the animals with the necessary care needed. Gizela Juric was previously charged with animal cruelty on February 2, 2024, in connection with the death of a fifth dog in her care.

Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray acknowledges the professionalism of the Vernon Township Police Department and the ASPCA for their assistance in this ongoing investigation.

Following their rescue, ASPCA teams transported the dogs to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center, a facility dedicated to providing temporary sheltering, medical care, and behavioral treatment and enrichment to animals rescued from emergency situations such as suspected cruelty and neglect. We are also assisting with operational planning, evidence collection, crime scene processing, veterinary forensics exams, and behavior evaluations. Animal cruelty charges are pending based on evidence collected by the ASPCA and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. We will also be providing investigative and legal assistance to further support the investigation and prosecution and to ensure the best legal outcome for the animals.

The ASPCA’s response has been made possible in part thanks to the generous support of the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust.