A New Jersey boy was found living in despicable conditions inside a squalid home where dozens of deceased animals were left to decay, authorities in Evesham Township said.
Brandon Leconey, 32, and Rebeccah Halbach, 35, were arrested amid allegations they were cashing checks from a North Carolina animal rescue to care for foster dogs while they left the poor animal to starve at the residence.
On Monday, the animal rescue sent police to the pair’s home where they made a horrifying discovery inside the squalid property: More than 30 dead dogs were inside the home, fourteen dogs were still alive but severely malnourished, and “numerous” cats and rabbits.
Behind the home, there was a cemetery where other deceased dogs were buried or just left to decay, said Police Chief Walt Miller.
“There’s dogs in cages. Live dogs in cages, dead dogs in cages. Dead animals throughout the house,” he said.
“Behind the home, there was also a burial spot where there was a large number of dogs in various levels of decay.”
Officers removed a 9-year-old child from the home after opening doors and windows to ease toxic gas levels.
“It’s definitely concerning having a 9-year-old child living in this home, sleeping in this home, eating in this home,” Miller said.
