N.J. woman charged with 110 counts of animal cruelty


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Authorities charged an Atlantic County woman with 110 counts of animal cruelty this week for allegedly housing dozens of animals in unsanitary conditions without access to clean water or food.

After a month-long investigation, police and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office served a search warrant at a home on the 800 block of East Moss Mill Road in Galloway Township on Wednesday, according to the prosecutor’s office.

They seized 15 dogs, 12 rabbits, 15 birds, five guinea pigs, five cats and two ferrets after the animals were found “living in inhumane and unsanitary conditions inside the house,” officials said. Several of the animals were kept in cages in a detached garage.

Dead birds were also found on the floor of the residence, the prosecutor’s office said.

The homeowner, Diane M. Haytas, 56, was charged with animal cruelty, the prosecutor’s office said.

Her public defender did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The seized animals were taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and will be held pending the outcome of the case, officials said.

Court records indicate Haytas appeared for an initial hearing on Thursday and is scheduled for a pre-indictment hearing on the charges in July.

The prosecutor’s office reminded area residents that animals can be surrendered to the Atlantic County Animal Shelter in Pleasantville or the Humane Society in Atlantic City if owners can no longer care for them.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.

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