22 Severely Matted Dogs Covered In Feces, Urine Dumped In Somerset County

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A total of 22 severely matted and neglected dogs were found dumped in different areas across Somerset County over the weekend.

The Somerset Regional Animal Shelter(SRAS) in Bridgewater is caring for 11 of the dogs that were rescued from White Oak Park in Branchburg.

SRAS Animal Control Officer Chris Moroney, with the help of two Branchburg police officers and shelter Vet Tech Gretchen, was able to capture the dogs from midnight on Saturday and throughout the weekend into Sunday.

Shelter Manager Brian Bradshaw said he believes the dogs were dumped and then dispersed.

“Some of them might have been frightened, and we didn’t see where they were. But over a 24-hour period, we’ve been picking them up,” said Bradshaw to Patch.

Branchburg Police Chief Richard Buck said at 12:39 a.m. on April 26 police were called to the area of Renda Drive for the report of a stray dog.

Police found the stray dog and asked for help from SRAS.

Later that day just before 7 a.m., police were called to White Oak Park at 235 Baird Road for multiple stray dogs in the area of the park and Branchburg Central Middle School.

A total of eight dogs were located and taken into custody.

At 5:05 p.m., police were called to the area of Thoroughbred Drive for the report of a stray dog. The dog was able to be taken into custody.

Then just after 11 p.m., police were called to the area of Millenium Way for the report of a stray dog. The dog was able to be taken into custody.

The dogs were found with their fur “very matted down to skin with wood chips and feces in their fur, urine-soaked, overgrown nails, under-socialized — the whole nine yards,” said Bradshaw.

An additional eight dogs in similar condition were found dumped in Bound Brook and taken to Plainfield Area Humane Society to be cared for.

Franklin Township Animal Shelter also has three more dogs and Animal Control Solutions has one dog. This brings the total of dogs dumped to 22.

All of the dogs are Maltese or Shih Tzu-type dogs. Bradshaw believes maybe someone was running a puppy mill, and it got out of control.

More dogs may even be running loose in the area. Anyone with information regarding where these dogs came from or if they see more dogs, should call the shelter at 908-725-0308.

“Branchburg PD would like to thank Somerset Regional Animal Shelter for their assistance in this matter,” said Buck.

The investigation is ongoing by the Branchburg Police and the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

Branchburg Police requests that anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Branchburg Police Department at 908-526-3830 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

How To Help

“While we cannot change the dogs’ heartbreaking past or how they ended up in Branchburg, please join us in focusing on preparing these precious souls for a much better future. All 11 dogs will need substantial vet care (spay/neuter, deworming, vaccines, dentals and more), grooming and behavioral assessments (it’s too early to know how social they are). They are NOT available for adoption,” wrote Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

SRAS is a nonprofit organization that services pets in the Somerset County area. Vet costs are expected to run into the thousands and monetary donations are most needed. This will give the shelter the flexibility to respond to the dogs’ needs as they arise.

Community members can help the shelter by purchasing supplies from the shelter’s Amazon Wishlist or by making a monetary donation at srasnj.org/donate.

Adoption

While the dogs picked up are not available for adoption, Bradshaw added there are many other dogs and cats available for adoption. Adoptions are needed to make room for the dogs and more pets.

“We’re more than packed. I had to empty out one of my cat rooms just to put these 11 dogs,” said Bradshaw.

The shelter is open daily from noon to 3:30 p.m. at 100 Commons Way in Bridgewater. No appointment is necessary.

Anyone interested in fostering, adopting, or learning more about the shelter can call 908-725-0308 or visit srasnj.org or facebook.com/somersetregionalanimalshelter.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.