Pets
200+ Neglected Birds Rehomed By Atlantic Co. Detectives, Rescues
Numerous animals were being held in "inhumane condition" at Atlantic County home, officials said. The birds were taken to local rescues.
BUENA VISTA, NJ — After more than 200 birds and other animals were found severely neglected in an Atlantic County home earlier this year, detectives and local rescues are teaming up to give them a new lease on life.
Sigfredo Perez, 81, of Newtownville, and Queli Merlo, 49, of Hammonton, were both charged with third-degree owning/training live animals for the purpose of fighting offenses after officers found evidence that they were raising and training roosters to fight, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Some of the birds were dead and decaying, and other animals were found in unsanitary conditions, officials previously said. Read more: Dozens Of Roosters Trained To Fight Taken From Atlantic County Home
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Over the weekend, Detectives Denise Manino and Courtney Milana of the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, joined with the Funny Farm Rescue of May's Landing and the South Jersey Wildlife Aid Rehabilitation and Sanctuary Rescue to safely relocate the birds, the Prosecutor's Office said.
The Department of Agriculture had already been involved, rehoming animals, but the birds had to be quarantined and tested. At least one was euthanized, the Prosecutor's Office said. After testing, volunteers met with officials at the property on March 4 to rescue the birds.
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"It was the most horrific and overwhelming experience we have ever seen," Funny Farm shared in a Facebook post detailing the rescue.From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., detectives and volunteers worked to move the ducks, hens, roosters and turkeys to their new homes at local rescues.
Funny Farm rescued more than 150 animals, they said.
"Immediately, volunteers scrambled and came from all directions to build temporary houses and clean new areas for them to live," Funny Farm said. "Many animals had to be rearranged to make room for new animals. New areas were built and are still being built."
The situation is the worst that Funny Farm has ever seen, and they said they are in need of help.
To donate to Funny Farm Rescue, you can click here.
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