Illegal Dog Breeding Facility Shut Down In Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A boa constrictor, seven dogs, and other reptiles were seized from a Jersey City home that investigators said was being used as an "illegal dog breeding facility," said officials this week.

Jersey City's Health and Human Services Department, along with police and zoning officials, searched a home on Clendenny Avenue this week and "confirmed the illegal dog breeding facility," said city public safety spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.

Approximately seven pit bull mixes and five reptiles were safely removed from the home "for welfare and potential abuse concerns," Wallace-Scalcione said.

The animals were:

• One large Columbian boa constrictor
• One Savannah monitor lizard
• One large tortoise
• Two large bearded dragons
• Seven mixed-breed pit bull terriers

Two men, ages 34 and 39, received summonses for animal cruelty — specifically "maintaining unsanitary living conditions for multiple canines and reptiles" — as well as state and local ordinance violations, she said.

The animals are currently being examined and triaged at the city’s animal shelter, Wallace-Scalcione said

“In 2018, the state moved animal welfare and abuse investigations under local law enforcement, and since then Jersey City has led statewide in this space," said Municipal Prosecutor Jake Hudnut. "The cooperation between the Health and Police Departments at the scene was remarkable, ensuring these animals are now safe, secure, and receiving the care they deserve.”

Wallace-Scalcione did not respond when asked when or if the animals will be put up for adoption, but did say, "To adopt animals like the ones we rescued from this illegal breeder, go to JCNJ.org/adopt."