Three Phillipsburg residents have been arrested on animal cruelty charges after dozens of dogs were found abandoned in crates without food or water across multiple Sussex County townships.

The investigation began March 16 when New Jersey State Troopers from the Sussex Station received reports of abandoned animals in Stillwater, Lafayette and Wantage. Responders discovered 32 small dogs left in open crates at various locations. Two additional dogs were found dead at the scene.

"Animal control agencies and local veterinary hospitals are currently caring for the remaining dogs until they can be medically cleared for adoption," the New Jersey State Police said in a joint statement with the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office.

Following a two-day investigation, authorities arrested three suspects on March 18: Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Kaila McNeill, 30; and Robert Ciemniecki, 74. All three face multiple counts of animal cruelty.

The rescue effort involved massive coordination between the Sussex County Sheriff's Office, local animal control agencies and members of the public who assisted in the search.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding a possible motive for the abandonments. The surviving dogs remain under medical supervision.