Officers responded to multiple reports of abandoned dogs in Stillwater, Lafayette and Wantage Township around 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
At each location, approximately six to eight small dogs were found dumped in open crates without food or water, New Jersey State Police said.
Police estimate roughly two dozen dogs were dumped between the various locations.
A local animal shelter says some of the dogs, of varying breeds and ages, were physically tossed out of their cages. Some of the dogs were injured and all of them are scared.
"Everyone is looking at their properties," said Jeanette Campbell of Hound Hunters. "If they see them, they're taking them in. We got one this morning just up the road here. He was hiding behind their grill, and their dog alerted them to it. They came out, they got him right away, got him inside."
Rescuers are caring for the animals found so far as the search continues for several more that are still on the loose.
Volunteers were back out Tuesday setting up traps hoping to coax the missing dogs to come to safety.
The rescue effort has been massive, involving local police, fire, animal control and people who are concerned about helping the dogs.
"Chasing them is only going to push them further away. So, we would want to trap them," said volunteer Meg O'Grady. "The best way to do it, or at least know the general area that they're in and try to keep them in that area. But the more people -- everyone wants to help -- but the more people that are there, it's almost overwhelming."
Troopers believe the incidents are all connected due to the the similar appearance and characteristics of the dogs, as well as the manner in which they were abandoned.
"They had some cuts and bumps on them. Nothing major that I noticed from these dogs anyway here. They looked to be fairly good, just a little bit older," Campbell said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Troop 'B' Sussex Station at 973-383-1514 or the Sussex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers at 973-300-CRIME.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube