More Than a Dozen Cats and Dogs Rescued from ‘Deplorable Conditions’ in Hackettstown

HACKETTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY - Nearly a dozen dogs and four cats were all rescued from a home left in terrible condition for the animals, police said.

At about 3:38 p.m. Thursday, an officer on patrol detected the odor of feces and determined it was coming from a home on the 100 block of Valentine Street, Sgt. Darren Tynan said.

The officer noticed a broken window on the home, and while approaching heard the sound of several barking dogs as the smell of feces grew to as he describes it as“unbearable,” Tynan said.

The officer then called Hackettstown’s Animal Control officer, the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Warren County Health Department to the scene to investigate.

The ensuing investigation determined the homeowner, 58-year-old Ann Loux, was keeping the dogs and cats in absolutely “deplorable conditions,” Tynan said.

Eleven dogs and four cats were surrendered to a boarding facility until Loux can provide suitable housing for these animals, Tynan said.

The dogs were recovered in fair condition but the cats all suffered from upper respiratory issues, Tynan said.

Loux was charged by the NJSPCA with failure to provide necessary care to animals, She was released and has a pending court appearance.

The investigation is yet ongoing.