GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Wednesday, Galloway Township Police Department detectives, in collaboration with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, carried out a search warrant at 833 E. Moss Mill Road. This move followed a month-long investigation into allegations of animal cruelty and neglect.
The search led to the recovery of 15 dogs, 5 cats, 12 rabbits, 15 birds, 5 guinea pigs, 2 ferrets, and a number of deceased birds from severely unsanitary conditions within the residence. The animals had been denied access to clean water and food, and several were kept caged within a detached garage on the property.
Due to the extreme unsanitary conditions in the home, law enforcement and animal control officers donned hazmat suits and masks to recover the animals, all of whom were subsequently taken for medical evaluation. Pending the outcome of the case, the animals will be held in veterinary care.
The homeowner, Diane Haytas, 56, has been charged with 110 counts of animal cruelty and is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility awaiting a detention hearing. The Galloway Township Police Department encourages anyone with knowledge of animal cruelty or neglect to report it to their local Police Department.
