News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting
Mostly Cloudy Night
82°
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting

More than two dozen abandoned cats and dogs rescued by Associated Humane Societies in two days

Within a matter of two days, 12 cats and 16 dogs were rescued by the shelter's Newark and Forked River locations.

Alexandra DeMatos

and

Kaiden Keitt

Sep 3, 2026, 10:12 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

The Associated Humane Societies is seeking emergency help after rescuing 28 abandoned animals in just two days, including 12 cats found crammed inside a plastic tote and 16 severely matted dogs left abandoned for weeks.

On Tuesday, 12 cats were brought to the shelter's Newark location in a large plastic tote with crude air holes poked into the lid, according to a Facebook post from the shelter.

782489138_1616745693375348_7136053821328489684_n.jpg

Concerned about the heat and poor ventilation inside the container, staff immediately assessed the cats and provided lifesaving care to two small kittens that were in critical condition.

With the arrival of the 12 cats, the Newark shelter's intake climbed to more than 138 cats and kittens in a single week, leaving the organization in desperate need of foster homes and rescue partners.

791922977_2166680064196696_1870816185634311802_n.jpg

On Wednesday, 16 bichon mixes that had been left behind in a Newark apartment were taken in by the Associated Humane Societies' Forked River location. They were found severely matted and in need of extensive medical and grooming care. The dogs were left behind after their owner moved out approximately one month ago.

IMG_1376.jpeg

Now safe at Associated Humane Societies (AHS), the dogs are receiving veterinary examinations, vaccinations and urgent grooming. Many require sedated grooming due to the severity of their matting, and some are just months old.

“The condition these dogs arrived in is heartbreaking, but they are finally safe and surrounded by people who are committed to giving them the care and compassion they deserve,” said Danielle Mania, COO of AHS.

The organization is seeking donations and volunteer groomers to help care for the animals.

To support the Associated Humane Societies through fostering, adoption or donations, visit the organization's website.

Top Stories

02:10
SeaTowRideAlong_2026-09-03-17-04-39_17-02-33,21

Sea Tow captain calls for task force to investigate deadly summer on Barnegat Bay

01:53
MP FM Temp 4k GRAF

NJ stays warm and muggy with more overnight thunderstorms

02:19
PigeonsTrappedBayonne_2026-09-03-17-08-05

Pigeons are trapped and dying under an overpass in Bayonne

01:43
Screenshot 2026-09-03 082514

Sports car linked to Pennsylvania street takeover recovered in New Jersey

01:37
RutgersSeasonOpener_2026-09-03-22-11-55

Rutgers football suffers shocking season opener loss

AP26191544272681

Fuel sold to Trump-promoted Freedom Fuel stations is part of nearly $4M dispute, lawsuit says

DSC 0521

Trenton Ironhawks sign 5 NJ natives ahead of inaugural season

School Bus Gen

14 injured in multivehicle crash in Gloucester County

00:54
Devils Beer VST 5pm Toms River Brewing

Toms River Brewing debuts Devils-inspired Slap Shot lager ahead of NHL season

00:48
Burlington-Stores-Exterior

Burlington Stores to move longtime headquarters from NJ to Philadelphia

00:18
United Airlines EWR Food Delivery Pilot - Sept 2026

Cleared for takeout: United tests gate-side food pickup at Newark airport

00:21
IMG 1371

More than two dozen abandoned cats and dogs rescued by Associated Humane Societies in two days

00:19
Washington Twp School

4 students and driver injured on first day of classes in Washington Township school bus collision

00:46
MT Sherrill Voting Safety 0903_2026-09-03-14-30-30

Sherrill pushes transparency after MVC voting error, blasts Trump claims

00:15
Deadly Crash

Washington woman killed in off-ramp crash along I-78 in Hunterdon County

00:26
WagnerStadium0903NJTA_2026-09-03-11-33-09

Roselle Park stadium to bear the name of legendary longtime coach

00:19
melissa tikaram howard griswold mugshots

New York woman admits helping set up robbery that ended in fatal Atlantic City shooting

04:05
ATLANTIC SEASON

Could the Atlantic have NO hurricanes for the first time on record?

00:25
789580352 1460036716148890 2525814478808362504 n

2 Washington Township police vehicles struck during Route 42 traffic stop

01:27
Screenshot 2026-09-03 054216

Newark Liberty prepares for heavy Labor Day weekend crowds

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices