HAMPTON, NJ – Nearly 40 dogs were rescued and 40 dead after they were found in an abandoned old pickup truck in Hampton Township, New Jersey. They were rescued by a local shelter and some could eventually be ready for adoption.
Wednesday night, an unimaginable case of animal cruelty was discovered in Hampton Township. Approximately 38 dogs, 8 cats, and at least 40 deceased animals were found inside a small, beaten-down pickup truck parked behind a strip mall.
The discovery was made after a call was received from a rescue partner, prompting volunteers to rush to the scene to help in any way they could.
According to volunteers at Eleventh Hour Rescue, the animals had been living in deplorable conditions since Thursday, and it is unknown what they had endured before that.
The stench of the vehicle was overpowering and could be smelled from down the road. Volunteers worked tirelessly to extract the terrified dogs from the truck all night, and they did everything they could to hide from the world, the shelter said today.
The conditions inside the vehicle were horrific, with everything soaked in feces, urine, and animal remains. Volunteers pulled out garbage bag after garbage bag of deceased animals, mostly tiny newborn kittens and puppies. Despite the dire situation, Eleventh Hour Rescue was able to take four of the dogs, and the rest were sent to various rescues and shelters.
All of the animals are now safe, although they will require medical attention.
Donations towards their care are welcome and will make a significant difference in their recovery.
If you are interested in helping foster, please fill out an application here.