Dogs Left In Water-Filled Crates During Hurricane Ida Up For Adoption In Somerset County

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — 14 dogs found in varying stages of emaciation, some in water-filled crates, have been given a new "leash" on life. After being turned over to two local rescue groups, the dogs are now up for adoption.

"Caring for these dogs, watching them regain their health and spirit has been a privilege. Each one has a great personality – sweet, friendly, and ready to start a new chapter of its life," said Diane O’Donnell, owner of Longhill Kennel.

On Sept. 6, 2021, Hillsborough R&B Singer Jaheim H. Hoagland, 44, of Chamberlain Drive, Hillsborough was charged with animal cruelty after police say they found the dogs without access to food and water and some left in crates outside a flooded driveway during Hurricane Ida.

• Read More: Hillsborough R&B Singer Jaheim Charged With Animal Cruelty

Six dogs were found by police in separate animal crates in the driveway of a Chamberlain Drive home. One of the dogs was initially unresponsive in a water-filled crate and had to be euthanized. Nine more dogs were found inside the home in varying stages of emaciation, without access to food and water, said authorities.

The dogs were turned over to the Long Hill Kennel in Hillsborough pending a trial.

"Because the owner failed to appear at repeated court dates over 7 months, the courts released the dogs to Long Hill Kennel and Rawhide Rescue, Inc. on March 14 2022," said Rawhide Rescue, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in Warren.

"It has been a lot of sacrifice and long working days between September and now for all of us. Special thanks to Dr. Schwirck from Sourland Pet Health for providing stellar veterinary care, and to Rawhide Rescue for accepting ALL of them without hesitation for their adoption program," said O’Donnell.

For information on adopting one of these special dogs contact Rawhide Rescue. Pictures and descriptions are available at rawhiderescue.org/#dogs. All are fully vetted, up to date on vaccines, and spayed/neutered.

Donations for the care and treatment of the dogs are always accepted at the "How to Help" section at rawhiderescue.org or mail a check to: Rawhide Rescue, 16 Mount Bethel Rd #360, Warren, NJ 07059.

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