Ernie Lazos reports that concerns were first brought to the township in November 2017.
Shamong resident Donna Roberts was arrested for keeping more than 100 dogs in “deplorable and inhumane conditions,” according to the State Police.
On Nov. 13, the Red Lion Station assisted the Burlington County Health Department with an inspection, in which detectives found 130 living dogs and 44 deceased dogs inside plastic bags stored in freezers.
A release provided by the state police stated, “the odor of animal feces and ammonia permeated the inside of the residence, which caused several of the responders to experience dizziness and nausea.”
Roberts was charged with animal cruelty and released with a pending court date, police said.
This inspection came to fruition after neighbors of Roberts, Ernie Lazos and his wife Bridget, brought their concerns to the township in November 2017.
The Lazoses moved to Kingswood Road in October 2017, and he said they noticed within weeks the crying and barking of dogs behind their home on Oakshade Road was a serious issue. They were advised to report it as a noise violation, and they soon confronted neighbors who were also new to the area.
The Lazoses, along with Denise and Andrew Tollefson and Tracy and Patrick Burleson, compiled research on former reports on Roberts and went door-to-door to see if longtime residents were aware of the issue only a few doors down.
Denise said that Ernie is the true hero that brought the issue to light, and thanked him for his efforts, saying “the diligence and determination paid off.”
“The sense of pure relief and joy seeing the dogs taken out, I can’t even put it into words. It felt surreal. It felt like a nightmare had ended,” Denise said.
The township first introduced an ordinance regarding dog regulations at the Aug. 7 meeting, and after several changes, it was passed on Nov. 7, allowing action to be taken.
The Burlington County Health Department was unable to be reached regarding the timeline of their action.
Shamong Mayor Michael Di Croce released a statement on the issue, encouraging residents to let the legal process play out with fairness.
“I am shocked and saddened by the findings and horrible conditions discovered on the property. I am very thankful for the actions of Dr. and Mrs. Lazos, and the many other neighbors, who had the courage and interest to see this process through,” Di Croce’s statement reads. “I personally apologize to all of our neighbors for this aberration. On behalf of our entire community, we extend our appreciation to the county prosecutor, NJSTP, veterinarians the many volunteers, neighbors, and Shamong staff for their positive and thoughtful actions.”
When asked about his reaction to the recent raid of Roberts’ property that saved more than 100 dogs, Ernie said, “obviously we’re elated by that.”
“I can’t even describe this emotion, I really can’t,” Ernie continued. He said one minute he and Bridget are at a high due to the dogs being saved, and the next they are upset at the condition those dogs lived in for so long.
Ernie expressed frustration and said his concerns shared with the township were not taken seriously until he got other neighbors involved, and the ordinance otherwise would have been in place much sooner.
He said had the ordinance been passed sooner, “I think we would’ve saved even more dogs.”
Township Administrator Sue Onorato commented on the lengthy process of passing the ordinance and said that so many people from the public, not only from Shamong but throughout the state, came out to share their opinions on the ordinance drafts.
“This whole process took much longer than I think anyone expected it to take,” Onorato said. “We had to research and hear them out, and I think we came to a good, solid solution that people can live with in our community.”
The ordinance states that if someone has zero to 14 dogs, there will be no new regulations impacting them. If they have 15 dogs, they have to register with the township and comply with inspections.
There is additional language in the ordinance stating there is a cap at 25 dogs in a non-commercial zone. The full ordinance can be found at www.shamong.net.
Shamong Township officials advise donations be made out to: Township of Shamong Animal Control Trust Fund (mailing address: 105 Willow Grove Road, Shamong, NJ 08088), which will be used to cover expenses directly tied to the rescued dogs and the associated shelters.
Regional Shelter Partners that took in dogs from this incident are Burlington County Animal Shelter, Burlington County Animal Alliance, Animal Welfare Association, Atlantic County Canines, Cape May County Animal Shelter, Monmouth County SPCA and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.
Foster homes, blankets, towels, dog food without red dye and other supplies are needed. For more information on how to foster, adopt or donate, contact the organizations listed above.
