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Article Archive > Woman kept dogs in horrible living conditions Woman kept dogs in horrible living conditions MANALAPAN - A Manalapan woman pleaded guilty April 12 to 11 counts of failure to provide proper shelter for a dog, after she kept dogs in what one official described as horrific living conditions. Deborah Melick, 45, was fined $2,750, in addition to $363 in court fees, in Manalapan municipal court. The 12 dogs removed from her care in March also became the property of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, according to the chief for that organization, Victor "Buddy" Amato. Melick must make herself available for random inspections as well, since she was allowed to keep six dogs. The dogs must remain outside until the interior of the McCaffery Road home, which Amato has said was partially filled with animal feces and urine, has been cleaned, Amato said. Melick was charged last month with 18 counts of failure to provide proper shelter for a dog. She could have faced up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine on each count against her, Amato has said. Officials were alerted to conditions in the Melick home by an anonymous tipster last month. SPCA Sgt. Matty Guiliano then visited Melick's home, where he confirmed the caller's allegations, Amato has said. Animal feces were piled three feet high in Melick's garage, and urine and feces were pooled in moats around the dogs' cages. Outside, kennels also were covered in feces and urine, Amato said last month. Melick must return to Manalapan municipal court May 10 on two pending charges: that she failed to keep her property clean and sanitary, and that she operated a boarding kennel without a municipal license. |