SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. — Nearly 50 dogs believed to have been abandoned across several Sussex County communities have now been recovered, and no new sightings have been reported, according to a local rescue group.
Hound Hunters of New Jersey said in an update Sunday that a dog trapped Friday night in Stillwater — more than a mile from where it was originally abandoned — may have been the last of the animals still at large.
“As of this morning, there have been no new sightings in Wantage, Stillwater or Lafayette,” the group said. “We are hopeful that they have all been found.”
The update follows an investigation earlier this month in which authorities charged three Warren County residents after dozens of dogs were found abandoned in Wantage, Stillwater and Lafayette.
According to New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, troopers responded March 16 to reports of small dogs left in open crates without food or water. A multi-agency effort involving animal control, law enforcement and community members led to the rescue of 32 dogs, while two were found dead.
Authorities later identified Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Robert Ciemniecki, 74; and Kaila McNeill, 30, all of Phillipsburg, in connection with the case. Joshua Ciemniecki and McNeill were each charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and lodged in the Morris County Jail pending detention hearings. Robert Ciemniecki was also charged and released pending a court appearance.
The rescue group now estimates that approximately 50 dogs were ultimately recovered in Sussex County, including six that were found dead.
Many of the animals are receiving veterinary care.
“A lot of these dogs are being found with rotten teeth and infections,” the group said, noting many will require dental work, blood tests and spaying or neutering before adoption.
Some dogs have been placed with rescue organizations and foster families to recover and adjust.
“A few new rescues have stepped up to take some of these dogs so they are not sitting in a shelter,” the group said.
Hound Hunters of New Jersey credited animal control officers, police, fire departments and community members for their efforts in locating and rescuing the animals.
“This took a village and this village came full force!!!” the group said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
