Seven Dead Puppies Found On Entrance Ramp To Route 55 In Vineland
VINELAND, N.J. (CBS) -- A sickening discovery on the side of an entrance ramp in Vineland has Cumberland County police investigating a case of animal cruelty. On Wednesday morning, seven, 3 to 4-week-old, multicolored puppies were found dead near the southbound entrance to Route 55 off of Sherman Avenue.
In a plea to the public for information, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said Friday, "Someone in the community is aware that an individual had a litter of puppies that suddenly disappeared. We are asking the public to give us information that will lead to identification of the person responsible for discarding these puppies in this irresponsible manner."
"People can sometimes do terrible things, " said Laurie Zaleski, owner of Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary in Mays Landing, where she is no stranger to once-discarded animals.
"I've had animals dumped more than once," said Zaleski, "sometimes in the dead of winter."
At least in those cases, the animals were found alive.
"Even if you don't know where to go you could even call the police. They will even help you but there's Animal Control, the Humane Society, the SPCA, animal shelters, and there's rescues," Zaleski added.
Another baffling element is how easily the puppies could have been adopted. Zaleski said that the current adoption rate for puppies is 100%.
"I get calls every single day," she said.
According to the Cumberland County Prosecutors office, any information can be forwarded to Officer E. Visconti of the Cumberland County Sherriff's Office at 856-451-4449, or Officer J. Ramos of the Vineland Police Department at 856-691- 4111.
Anyone wishing to share information anonymously may do so by typing CCPO.TIPS in their search engine.
