Dozens of puppies removed from home

FRANLINVILLE The New Jersey State Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says its officers found 27 puppies crowded in sweltering conditions in a basement closet when they searched the home Saturday morning.

The owner of the home, 57-year-old William Roberts, has been charged with willfully selling an animal with a communicable disease, a charge related to the undercover probe that resulted in Saturday's raid.

The NJSPCA says Roberts was running an illegal dog sale operation, and that he could face more charges.

The puppies, of various breeds, were taken to the Columbus Animal Shelter in Burlington County.

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