63 Dogs Removed From House in East Brunswick

Animal control officers removed 63 dogs from a Rues Lane house on Sept. 28, according to the East Brunswick Police Department. 

According to the department, officers went to the house on in response to an animal complaint, and found 63 shih tzus in poor health, with afflictions including dermatitis, fleas and conjunctivitis.

The homeowner, Ellen Shih, told police that she used to breed the dogs for sale, but it became "unmanageable."

Shih signed the dogs over to Helmetta Animal Control officer James Apgar, and was issued summonses for 63 counts of animal cruelty, 63 counts of failure to provide veterinary care, 58 counts of unlicensed dogs and 58 counts of no rabies inoculation, according to police.

The dogs were taken for evaluation and treatment at Helmetta Regional Animal Shelter, where they will be available for adoption.

Photos of the dogs can be seen on the shelter's Facebook page.