‘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.
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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.
