‘Downright disgusting.’ Neighbors say nearly 30 cats were removed from a home in Old Bridge that smells unpleasant

Neighbors say dozens of cats were removed over the weekend, and some were taken to Happy Homes Animal Rescue, a nearby animal shelter.

Jim Murdoch and Lanette Espy

Aug 8, 2023, 12:48 PM

Updated 353 days ago

Share:

Neighbors in Old Bridge say they've been living next to a townhouse of filth - and it's making them sick.
News 12 New Jersey obtained exclusive video that shows piles of trash, water bottles filled with urine and unlivable conditions where 28 cats were removed from a home in the Society Hill neighborhood. An estimated six to eight more cats remain inside.
According to neighbors, police arrived at the 1,400-square-foot townhouse late last week after complaints of a nauseating stench. Neighbors say dozens of cats were removed from the home over the weekend. They say some of the cats were taken to Happy Homes Animal Rescue, a nearby animal shelter.
Elaine Brodsky of Happy Homes Animal Rescue described the conditions that the 28 cats were in when they were taken from the townhouse:
“Flea infested, underweight, malnourished a lot of them are missing fur…They are starving, and our goal is to get them out of there and into homes where they can be taken care of and see a vet.”
Neighbors say they've been calling the homeowners association for help for two years. John Thayne, one of the neighbors in the area, says he first complained back in March.
“It's very bad, it's repulsive, offensive and just downright disgusting,” Thayne said. “I know there's probably some health risks involved here. Breathing this stuff can be bad. I have bugs in my townhouse, I work hard for this. I just don't even want to come here anymore.”
Neighbors say they are frustrated – they want to know what happens next and why did it take two years of complaining to finally get help.
In animal hoarding situations, there is typically a notification from the health department that would be placed on the front of the home - condemning the area or labeling it a hazardous situation. News 12 visited the home Tuesday and has not found a notice on the home. The homeowners were not home at the time News 12 visited.
It’s unknown if any charges have been filed. News 12 is looking to get more information from the town and police on this situation.


More from News 12
2:10
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

2:16
Fire at Fair Lawn strip mall destroys multiple businesses, including popular Zadies Bakery

Fire at Fair Lawn strip mall destroys multiple businesses, including popular Zadies Bakery

2:42
Beautiful weekend ahead for New Jersey with sunny skies and warm temperatures

Beautiful weekend ahead for New Jersey with sunny skies and warm temperatures

1:43
Lead found on Keyport beach not ‘urgent risk’ to public health, no need to close beach

Lead found on Keyport beach not ‘urgent risk’ to public health, no need to close beach

0:29
Man who pleaded guilty to attacking Jewish men sentenced to 30 years on terror charges

Man who pleaded guilty to attacking Jewish men sentenced to 30 years on terror charges

1:01
‘It’s a beautiful sport.’ New pickleball courts open in Howell Township

‘It’s a beautiful sport.’ New pickleball courts open in Howell Township

0:55
EPA completes Phase 1 of superfund site cleanup at Unimatic Manufacturing site in Fairfield

EPA completes Phase 1 of superfund site cleanup at Unimatic Manufacturing site in Fairfield

0:20
West New York school named for Sen. Menendez to revert to original name

West New York school named for Sen. Menendez to revert to original name

0:30
Attorney general: NJ state trooper ‘inexcusably crossed the line,’ admits to punching handcuffed woman in the face in 2022

Attorney general: NJ state trooper ‘inexcusably crossed the line,’ admits to punching handcuffed woman in the face in 2022

0:15
East Brunswick police: Bicyclist killed in Route 18 crash

East Brunswick police: Bicyclist killed in Route 18 crash

0:30
No one injured in Kenilworth house fire

No one injured in Kenilworth house fire

1:04
Attorney general releases body camera footage of fatal Hamilton police-involved shooting

Attorney general releases body camera footage of fatal Hamilton police-involved shooting

0:15
Part of Manchester’s Harry Wright Lake closed due to high levels of fecal bacteria

Part of Manchester’s Harry Wright Lake closed due to high levels of fecal bacteria

0:23
2 dead in Maine plane crash after leaving New Jersey airport

2 dead in Maine plane crash after leaving New Jersey airport

0:18
$1 million lottery ticket won from $20 scratch-off at North Wildwood Wawa

$1 million lottery ticket won from $20 scratch-off at North Wildwood Wawa

1:59
Paws & Pals: Felicity now up for adoption at Associated Humane Societies

Paws & Pals: Felicity now up for adoption at Associated Humane Societies

1:17
Gov. Murphy discusses potential Menendez replacement on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’

Gov. Murphy discusses potential Menendez replacement on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’

0:40
State, federal lawmakers introduce legislation to shorten funding gap for World Trade Center Health Program

State, federal lawmakers introduce legislation to shorten funding gap for World Trade Center Health Program

0:33
New Jersey now has 21 towns where starter homes cost more than $1 million

New Jersey now has 21 towns where starter homes cost more than $1 million

0:48
Jersey Proud: Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis first performed together 78 years ago in Atlantic City

Jersey Proud: Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis first performed together 78 years ago in Atlantic City