State Police Charge Shamong Woman Found with 44 Deceased Dogs in Home

State troopers have arrested 65-year-old Donna Roberts of Shamong Township for keeping more than 100 dogs in deplorable and inhumane conditions in and around her home.

State Police say their detectives responded to Roberts’ home to assist the Burlington County Health Department with an inspection on Tuesday. When they arrived, they observed evidence of animal cruelty inflicted upon various breeds of dogs on the property. The odor of animal feces and ammonia permeated the inside of the residence, which caused several of the responders to experience dizziness and nausea.

Authorities say they found 130 living dogs and 44 deceased dogs that were packaged in plastic bags and stored in freezers throughout the residence.

"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 via a Facebook post.

Donna Roberts was charged with animal cruelty and released with a pending court date.