Abandoned dogs found near Swartswood State Park; search spans multiple Sussex County towns
UPDATE: Reward offered in investigation of abandoned dogs across Sussex County
SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. — Authorities and volunteers are continuing efforts to locate several abandoned dogs after multiple animals were discovered near Swartswood State Park on Monday night, according to Newton Animal Control.
The incident began around 7:30 p.m. March 16, when animal control received a report of dogs left in an open crate near the entrance to the park by Duck Pond Trail.
Officials said several Jack Russell-type mixed puppies were loose in the area, prompting a coordinated response involving animal control, local fire personnel and volunteers.
By early Tuesday morning, five dogs of various ages had been safely contained, according to an update from Newton Animal Control. Earlier updates reported that three dogs — including both senior and younger animals — had been captured, with additional dogs later found in nearby Wantage and Lafayette.
“Hound Hunters of New Jersey, Inc. is working diligently with animal control to get these pups and keep them safe,” officials said in an update.
Hound Hunters of New Jersey said additional dogs remain loose and that the situation may involve a larger number of animals across multiple towns.
“Update: STILL MORE DOGS LOOSE…. we captured 5 of them….. we expect there are a total of 6-8 of them at this location. Apparently this is spanning over at least 3 towns right now. It sounds as though there have been about 16 or more captured altogether throughout all the towns. Two of them are currently at the vet… they were either thrown out of a car or hit by a car,” the organization said in a Facebook post.
The group added that the dogs already captured are older animals, including Jack Russell mixes, miniature pinschers and chihuahuas.
“They were all in a dog crate and the dumper put the crate off the road onto one of the trails and opened the door and let them all run free,” they said in a Facebook post.
Members of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company assisted in the search, using thermal imaging cameras to locate animals in wooded areas near the trail.
Firefighters entered the area on foot and were able to locate and capture at least one of the loose dogs, turning it over to animal control. Additional dogs were captured using humane traps set up throughout the search area.
Animal control officials remained on scene late into the night working to safely capture the remaining dogs.
Authorities are urging residents to use caution when traveling through the area and to report any sightings.
Anyone with information or sightings of the dogs is asked to contact the Newton Police Department at 973-383-2525.
