Hoarding - dozens of cats, 8 dead in freezer
Hampton, NJ (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Jun 3, 2007
County: Hunterdon
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Debra L. Thomas
Eight dead cats were found in bags in the freezer of a home in Hunterdon County that was filled with animal feces, according to the landlord and authorities who are now searching for the tenant.
An animal cruelty complaint and summons are pending against Debra L. Thomas, 39, whose whereabouts are currently unknown after she left her Hampton home, said Tee Carlson, executive director of the Hunterdon County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Thomas also is facing a criminal mischief complaint next month in Superior Court, signed against her by her landlord, Michael Joyce. Joyce had been the first to discover Thomas' feces-infested home when he went to collect the rent on June 3.
The landlord said his former tenant was no where to be found, and that the dozens of cats and at least three collies blamed for the excrement that covered the premises also were missing. Joyce's son adult, Daniel, stumbled on the dead cats in the freezer when he opened the refrigerator out of "curiosity," he said.
"It was a nightmare," said the elder Joyce today.
Joyce contacted the State Police, which is still investigating the case, spokeswoman Sgt. Jeanne Hengemuhle said today. The rental in Hampton was declared unliveable because of the amount of feces left inside.
"The conditions existed a month, if not longer," said Ode Keiderling, an environmental health specialist with the Hunterdon County Health Department, who inspected the home. References« NJ State Animal Cruelty Map
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