Authorities: 40 Dogs Rescued From Cramped Cages At N.J. Animal Hospital
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Dozens of dogs have been rescued, after allegedly being found in cramped, crowded and inhumane conditions at an animal hospital in Ridgefield Park, N.J.
Most of the dogs still needed good homes Monday night.
As CBS 2's Jessica Schneider reported Monday night, the Ridgefield Park Animal Hospital remained open for business earlier Monday. But late Sunday night, the owner and head veterinarian at the hospital were busted for allegedly housing 40 German shepherds in deplorable conditions.
Some of the dogs are puppies are just a few weeks old. But officials from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said they, and dozens of other German shepherds, were cramped in the basement and hallways of the facility.
"These are large dogs, many of them, they are adult German shepherds, and they're being kept in crates that are meant for just temporary; kind of overnight traveling, things like that," said Rose Inguandi of the Bergen County Health Department. "These were their permanent homes. They can't stand up in them; can't turn around in them."
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officers found all 40 dogs in crates. Two or more puppies were packed into one small crate, and three or four slightly larger ones were crammed into another.
"It's not really humane to keep dogs like that," said kennel supervisor Rose LoBello. "They should be able to get out, exercise; they should be able to get proper vet care, socialization. So it just doesn't seem like they got the best of care there."
CBS 2 went inside the animal hospital to get answers, but was told the owner and head veterinarian, Dr. Paul Kim, was not available to comment.
The German shepherds were moved to the Bergen County Animal Shelter after a tip from a concerned neighbor sent authorities into the building Sunday night.
Doctors will now evaluate the dogs, vaccinate them, and get them ready for adoption.
Patty Townsend visited the Animal Hospital to get her dog, Cooper, groomed. She said she noticed her dog and others weren't being treated with care.
"I don't like my dog in a cage," Townsend said. "If you're going to be groomed, if I made an appointment, you should take him. He was put in a cage. One was taken out. I said, 'You're going to put him in a cage with another dog?'"
"I think anyone who cages animals like that should spend some time in a cage himself," added Tatiana Alexis.
The dogs should be available for adoption in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, the Animal Cruelty Task Force at the Bergen County Prosecutor's office will be investigating and could file charges against the vets at the animal hospital.
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