A northwestern New Jersey couple faces child endangerment charges for allegedly exposing to two young children to numerous decomposed animals at their home.
Warren County prosecutors say the charges against 36-year-old Chad Lloyd and 23-year-old Kimberly Brown, of Independence Township, stem from an investigation that began after several pigs were found running loose in their neighborhood last week. Authorities determined the couple owned the pigs.
But when they went to their home to return the pigs, they allegedly found "numerous animals" in various states of decomposition. Several other animals were found alive, but in poor condition.
NJSPCA said roughly 200 various animals were seized and signed over as a result of the investigation.
The majority of the animals are being cared for by the Barnyard Sanctuary in Columbia and Skylands Animal Sanctuary in Wantage.
Authorities also said the children - ages 3 and 10 - had access to "various deceased animals," some of which were found near the home.