Animal control officers in Hudson County say there has been a dramatic rise in the number of abandoned and dead animals found in North Bergen since January.

Denton Infield, the manager of the Associated Humane Society, says two abandoned dogs were recently brought in by a North Bergen resident. Infield says his officers are finding dead cats, dogs and even some livestock on curbs and in gutters. None of the animals have shown signs of being hit by vehicles, Infield says.

Associated Humane Society officials say dead chickens and goats are sometimes found in the neighborhood. They believe the corpses are left out by residents who practice Santeria. Since January, officials reported finding 93 dead animals along Paterson Plank Road alone.

Animal control officers believe some animals may be dumped to avoid the cost of disposing of them.