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Article Archive > 12 dogs removed from manalapan woman's garage 12 dogs removed from manalapan woman's garage MANALAPAN - A township woman was charged Monday with 18 counts of animal cruelty, accused of keeping dogs in what officials described as "horrific" living conditions, including cages surrounded by feces and urine. Animal feces were piled three feet high in Deborah Melick's garage on McCaffery Road home, said Victor "Buddy" Amato, chief of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Urine and feces were pooled in moats around the dogs' cages. Outside, kennels also were covered in feces and urine, Amato said. "You couldn't breathe," Amato said of conditions officials found in the home. Officials removed 12 dogs - all German shepherds and Doberman pinscher/German shepherd mixes - from the home Monday morning. Seven were taken to the SPCA to be checked by veterinarians; another five were taken to the Associated Humane Societies, which assisted with the removal, Amato said. Melick, 45, was allowed to keep six dogs as long as they stay in the outside facility, which officials helped her clean. The facility must remain clean, Amato said. Officials were alerted to conditions in the Melick home by an anonymous tipster. SPCA Sgt. Matty Guiliano then visited Melick's home Sunday, where he confirmed the caller's allegations, Amato said. Melick is due in Manalapan Township court Monday. If convicted, each charge against her carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, Amato said. Melick used to operate a kennel out of her home called Canines, Cats and Creatures. She voluntarily relinquished her kennel license in fall 2009 after township health inspectors informed her of improvements she would need to make to continue operations, according to David Richardson of the Manalapan Township Health Department. |