Puppy mill - 27 puppies seized
Franklinville, NJ (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Apr 19, 2008
County: Gloucester
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: William C. Roberts
Township police, working with the with the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, arrested a man accused of selling puppies with contagious diseases.
Police on Saturday morning served a warrant at the Franklinville home of William C. Roberts, 57, after multiple complaints and a state SPCA investigation linked Roberts to the sale of several sick dogs, officials said.
Police found puppies in the home's basement, inside a closet, and in cages, officials said.
In total, 27 puppies were removed and taken to Columbus Animal Hospital in Burlington County for examination. The puppies were found crowded in sweltering conditions in a basement closet, officials said.
Roberts was arrested and charged with willfully selling animals with contagious diseases, as well as failure to provide necessary sustenance. Additional charges were pending, authorities said.
Animal cruelty officials was tipped off and bought a puppy from Roberts about three weeks ago.
Tests revealed that the puppy had several contagious diseases, according to officials.
An early investigation indicated Roberts allegedly sold 40 to 50 puppies, at a cost of $400 each, since as early as 2002, officials said.
Anyone who may have purchased a dog from William C. Roberts is urged to contact the New Jersey SPCA at (800) 582-5979 or online at www.njspca.org. References« NJ State Animal Cruelty Map
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