St. Hubert's Seeks Help After Taking In 142 Dogs From Howell Hoarding Case

MADISON, N.J. – Nearly 300 dogs being hoarded in a central New Jersey home were rescued last week, and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center of Madison was there to help.

But now, after taking in 142 of those pups to be cared for, St. Hubert’s needs your help.

On Friday, June 3, Monmouth County SPCA began a rescue effort at a home in Howell that saw 276 dogs living under one roof. It’s believed to be the single largest case of dog hoarding in the state’s history.

The rescue effort lasted 10 hours and uncovered a new litter of puppies as well as 20 pregnant dogs.

See related: Final Howell Hoarding Tally: 276 Dogs. Here’s How To Help Them

St. Hubert’s, which has welcomed dogs from South Korean meat markets and kill shelters in the southern portion of the United States, aided in the rescue effort and took in 142 pups over the weekend.

Now, as the staff there cares for the dogs, the medical journey begins for each of the animals.

St. Hubert’s is asking for financial help in the way of donations for vaccines and dewormers for each of the dogs. St. Hubert's said a $25 donation will help fund vaccinations and dewormers, while a $50 donation includes the opportunity to name a dog, and a $100 donation will include the opportunity to name a puppy.

Those looking to help can donate by clicking here.

The situation at the 1,900-square-foot bi-level home came to light a week or so ago, when an officer from the Associated Humane Societies in Tinton Falls was in the neighborhood responding to a call of a loose dog, Ross Licitra, law enforcement chief for the Monmouth County SPCA said. The officer heard a bunch of dogs barking in the home and called the SPCA.

"He suspected there might be 20 dogs in the house, which is a lot of dogs when you think about it," Licitra said. "He called the animal cruelty hotline and said, 'You'll want to check this out, it might be a hoarding situation.' "

Licitra said it took three tries before SPCA officers were able to connect with the homeowners. When they finally found them at home Thursday evening, Licitra said, the couple -- whom Licitra described as middle-aged -- allowed officers into the front portion of the house.

He called Heather Cammisa at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison.

"I've got 80 dogs, maybe a little bit more," Licitra said he told her. Cammisa said they would marshal their resources to help.

"They are such an amazing animal welfare organization," Licitra said. "Whatever it is, they're here at a moment's notice."

The remaining dogs were taken to other area shelters. Once all animals are up to date medically they will be put up for adoption, St. Hubert's said.

Reporting by Karen Wall used in this report.