Thirteen small dogs were rescued from what animal rescuers described as “filthy, roach-infested” conditions inside a New Jersey apartment.

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

Thirteen small dogs were rescued from what animal rescuers described as “filthy, roach-infested” conditions inside a New Jersey apartment.

The discovery was made during an eviction in Passaic, when animal control officers entered the home and found the dogs trapped in filth, covered in matted fur and surrounded by waste, the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI) said in a statement Thursday, Nov. 6.

“These Shih Tzu–Terrier mixes had been bred and left to suffer in silence,” RBARI said. “Their home reeked of urine and feces, filled with waste. They met their rescuers with a relieved affection, their gentle, trusting spirits unbroken despite the depravity they lived through.”

All 13 dogs were rescued in a joint effort led by Passaic Animal Control, with RBARI and Second Chance Pet Adoption League stepping in to take the remaining dogs into their care, the shelter said.

RBARI

“Despite everything these dogs have endured, each has been incredibly docile, leaning into gentle hands as they learn what gentle touch feels like,” the shelter said.

The dogs are now receiving medical care and treatment for years of neglect, according to RBARI.

Donations to support the animals’ recovery can be made through rbari.org/medical, or by Venmo (@rbarishelter) and PayPal/Zelle (donations@rbari.org).

“We are deeply grateful to Passaic Animal Control for their swift action, to our rescue partners for stepping up when it mattered most, and to you — our incredible community — for always standing beside us,” the shelter said.