EVESHAM, N.J. (AP) — Two people were charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment after police found the bodies of at least 30 dogs at a home in southern New Jersey this week.
Investigators believe up to 100 dogs died in the home, including many believed to have been buried on the property. Officers found both live and dead dogs in the residence on Monday, along with several cats and rabbits, the Evesham Police Department said.
Nine of the live dogs were taken to an animal hospital for treatment, including several that were in “extremely poor health,” authorities said. One of those dogs eventually had to be euthanized.
Rebecca Halbach, 35, and Brandon Leconey, 32, were arrested Monday in Evesham, a suburb of Philadelphia. Police went to the home after someone associated with an animal rescue group based in North Carolina, which had given the pair money to care for some of its dogs, reported seeing several malnourished and sick dogs around the property.
Authorities said a 9-year-old boy who lived in the home was removed due to the “unhealthy conditions” and was turned over to child welfare officials. It wasn't clear if he was related to either Halbach or Leconey.
When investigators arrived at the scene, they had to open the doors and windows to air out the home before it was safe for them to be inside.
No phone numbers were listed for Halbach or Leconey in public records and authorities did not know if either one had retained an attorney who can speak on their behalf. Authorities said more charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Leconey was being held in the Burlington County Jail, while Halbach was being evaluated at a hospital for an undisclosed medical condition.
The Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse.
A new pop-up is recreating Elvis Presley's famous living room from Graceland and will be in New York on Thursday and Friday. Kevin Kern, vice president of public relations with Memphis Tourism, joined Cheddar News to explain what pieces are in the recreated room, including a drink inspired by the King of Rock 'n Roll.
With the annual Beauty CEW Awards in tow, Brittany Lo, founder of Beia Beauty, joined Cheddar News to show and demonstrate some of her company's sensual care products. Beia Beauty is a finalist in the sexual wellness category.
A Texas county commissioner is facing a possible felony charge in Nebraska after accidentally shooting his 12-year-old grandson during a wedding he was officiating.
Jurassic Park and Lego are partnering for a movie.
Police in Iowa helped rescue an owl stuck in a soccer net.
A self-described gangster who police and prosecutors say masterminded the shooting death of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996 made his first court appearance Wednesday on a murder charge.
Staying on top of your personal spending shouldn't be as complicated as you think. Lazetta Braxton, a certified financial planner, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to track that spending, such as grouping expenses into different categories.
Author James Patterson joined Cheddar News to discuss a new book he co-wrote with Mike Lupica, "12 Months to Live," their third project together and also spoke about their upcoming tour as well as his passion for child literacy.
Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs joined News 12's Elizabeth Hashagen to discuss how to elevate your party and snacks when gathering to watch football games.
