Galloway Twp., NJ, Woman Indicted on 22 Counts of Animal Cruelty

A woman from Galloway Township has been indicted on 22 counts of third-degree animal cruelty.

The indictment stems from the arrest of Lourdes Martinez on July 22nd of this year after police executed a search warrant at her home on Federal Court following numerous complaints from neighbors about animals living in unsanitary conditions.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office says inside the home, police found 21 cats and a dog that were all in need of medical attention.

All of the cats were later evaluated by a veterinarian who determined they were suffering from respiratory illnesses and eye infections. The dog was suffering from an untreated illnesses and malnutrition.

None of the animals inside the home had access to clean food or water and it was covered in cat urine, feces, garbage, and mold, according to authorities.

The case was investigated by the Galloway Township Police Department's Humane Law Enforcement Officers.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.