Earlier this week, at the request of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Vernon Township Police Department, we assisted in the removal of more than 90 maltreated dogs from the property of a self-described animal rescue group in Vernon Township, New Jersey. The animals, who consisted of varying breeds, sizes and ages including young puppies, were seized by law enforcement after they were found living in filthy conditions among their own feces and urine and exposed to high levels of ammonia. Some of the animals had dirty, severely matted coats, including one dog who was found with nails matted into their fur. Some dogs were underweight and had untreated medical conditions including eye infections and injuries. Several dogs were living in cars, and deceased dogs were also found on the property.

“The ASPCA is grateful to be in a position where we can collaborate with local agencies across the country to provide critical resources and expertise to rescue at-risk animals and bring them to safety,” said Teresa Ladner, senior director of Investigations for the ASPCA. “It’s clear these dogs were not receiving adequate treatment despite the fact that they were under the care of a self-described animal rescue group, and we commend the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Vernon Township Police Department for intervening to help end their suffering.”

Acting Supervising Assistant Prosecutor/Special Deputy Attorney General Brent Rafuse of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the owners of the property have been charged in a criminal complaint with six counts of animal cruelty charges relating to both the deceased dogs found on the property as well as the failure to provide the animals with the necessary care needed. Gizela Juric was previously charged with animal cruelty on February 2, 2024, in connection with the death of a fifth dog in her care.

Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray acknowledges the professionalism of the Vernon Township Police Department and the ASPCA for their assistance in this ongoing investigation.

Following their rescue, ASPCA teams transported the dogs to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center, a facility dedicated to providing temporary sheltering, medical care, and behavioral treatment and enrichment to animals rescued from emergency situations such as suspected cruelty and neglect. We are also assisting with operational planning, evidence collection, crime scene processing, veterinary forensics exams, and behavior evaluations. Animal cruelty charges are pending based on evidence collected by the ASPCA and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. We will also be providing investigative and legal assistance to further support the investigation and prosecution and to ensure the best legal outcome for the animals.

The ASPCA’s response has been made possible in part thanks to the generous support of the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust.