Adoptions underway for dogs found in Monmouth County animal hoarding case

HOWELL TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- Adoptions are underway for the dogs that were recovered in Monmouth County's worst animal hoarding case ever.

Four more dogs were rescued Wednesday from the backyard of a home in Howell Township, brining the total to 280 dogs.

The first dog being adopted, a 4-year-old French Bull dog mix went to a couple who volunteer at the SPCA.

Some of the dogs are pregnant and recently gave birth.

All are being loved and cared for by a team of veterinarians and staff at the Monmouth County SPCA.

20 families have opened their homes to foster dogs until they find forever homes.

Many other veterinary hospitals have lent their doctors and facilities to help care for the dogs.

The dogs were not abused, just hoarded in one small house.

"All these dogs have to be spayed or neutered, they've been vaccinated and so many of them are socially shut down," said Chief Ross Licitra of the Monmouth County SPCA. "These dogs are just nervous or scared, and when you look in their eyes you see the terror they have in them, so we're going to get through it."

The SPCA is working with the county prosecutor's office to decide what the charges should be against the couple who had the dogs in their house.