Red Bank police officers making a child welfare check at a home Thursday night got more than they bargained for.
Red Bank Police Chief Tim Christol said no children or adults were found at 3911 Oakland Terrace, but they did find 17 animals living in "deplorable conditions."
The Humane Educational Society was called, and rescued 9 dogs, 6 cats and 2 rabbits from the residence. The Humane Society said in a release that after the animals arrived at the shelter volunteers and staff members began bathing the animals and "cutting mats of fur from the animals' urine-burned coats." The release also said that many of the female animals were receiving treatment for severe urinary tract infections, and the all of the animals showed signs of bacterial infection. They are currently being vaccinated and de-wormed.
The release said that most of the animals are of a "healthy weight" and have a "friendly demeanor" though a few remain frightened. The Humane Educational Society said it is it's hope that the owner chooses to surrender the animals into the Humane Educational Society's custody.
Christol said officers are following up with the family, and at this point, no charges have been filed. He also said the fire marshal had condemned the home.