By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
HOWELL – A Howell couple who had almost 300 dogs living in their home on Bennett Road and were charged with animal cruelty in connection with that situation made their first appearance in municipal court, but the charges against them have not been resolved.
The case against Charlene and Joseph Handrick is expected to continue at a later date.
On June 3, 276 dogs were removed from the Handricks’ home by representatives of the Monmouth County SPCA (MCSPCA). The dogs are continuing to receive medical care and about three dozen of them have been adopted so far, according to an official with the agency.
Several of the dogs that were removed from the home on June 3 were pregnant and subsequently delivered puppies, bringing the number of dogs associated with the case to 293 at last count, according to MCSPCA officials.
On June 29, Charlene and Joseph Handrick appeared in Howell Municipal Court before Judge Susan Schroeder Clark and Prosecutor Steven A. Zabarsky and were formally presented with the charges that have been filed against them.
Charlene Handrick was charged with 276 counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide proper shelter for the dogs and 276 counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide proper veterinary care. Clark denied Handrick’s request for a public defender.
Joseph Handrick was charged with 276 counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide proper shelter for the dogs and 276 counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide proper veterinary care. Joseph Handrick told the court he would retain an attorney.
Each charge carries a maximum fine of $1,000. There is also a possibility of jail time and community service for the charges which are considered disorderly persons offenses. The couple was informed they could also be liable for costs associated with the ongoing care and shelter the dogs are receiving.
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, summonses have been issued to the couple for failure to license and vaccinate hundreds of the dogs.
MCSPCA Humane Law Enforcement Lt. Tom Nuccio was present for the court proceedings and said the dogs that were removed from the Handricks’ home “are all in good shape.”
Nuccio said the dogs are receiving medical treatment and are being spayed and neutered. He said between 30 and 40 of the dogs had been adopted as of June 29.
Nuccio told the court that restitution for the money being spent for the animals’ medical care and shelter could be very costly for the couple.
“It could be well into the six figure range,” he said. “You have food, vaccines, microchips, spay and neuter appointments, and beds. … It is a lot of money.”
MCSPCA officials previously said the Howell case is believed to be the worst case of dog hoarding in Monmouth County history and possibly in the state.
The rescued dogs were accepted by the Monmouth County SPCA, Eatontown; the Associated Humane Society, Tinton Falls; and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison. Officials have said monetary donations are needed to ensure the ongoing care of the hundreds of dogs that are still being cared for.
Donations may be made to the Monmouth County SPCA, 732-542-0040; the Associated Humane Society, 732-922-0100; or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 973-377-2295.
