New Jersey woman arrested after 44 dogs found in her freezer

A New Jersey woman has been charged with animal cruelty after dozens of dead dogs were found in her freezers.

In a statement posted to Facebook, New Jersey state police said they have arrested 65-year-old Donna Roberts for “keeping more than 100 dogs in deplorable and inhumane conditions”.

Police arrived at Roberts’ home on Tuesday to assist the Burlington County Health Department with a health inspection. They immediately found evidence of animal cruelty, and “the [smell] of animal faeces and ammonia... caused several of the responders to experience dizziness and nausea,” according to the statement.

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“The deplorable and inhumane living conditions the rescued dogs were forced to endure is tragic,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police.

“Troopers take an oath to protect and safeguard life, included the lives and well-being of pets, which can be vulnerable to abuse,” police said.

Four of the dogs were in critical condition and were transported to an emergency veterinary clinic, reports CBS. The remaining dogs were sent to animal shelters, and a local farm is collecting donations of pet supplies to help the dogs in the shelters.

Officers also found 44 deceased dogs stored in several freezers in the property. Roberts told the New York Post that the bodies were those of stillborn puppies.

“I forgot all about them. They were born dead and I didn’t kill them. They’re making a big deal out of nothing,” she said. Police said they are investigating the bodies to establish the circumstances of their deaths.

Roberts was released from police custody with a pending court date.