Newspaper reports indicate that officials found animal feces piled 3 feet high in the garage of a Manalapan resident. After an anonymous tip, health officials and the SPCA found that the living conditions were "horrific".

Deborah Melick of Manalapan was charged with 18 counts of animal cruelty which will be heard in Manalapan Municipal Court within the next few weeks. Although there were 18 dogs on the property, officials allowed Melick to keep six dogs and opted to remove only 12. The Associated Humane Societies assisted in the removal of the dogs -- five were brought to the Society Tinton Falls Animal Care Center and seven were taken to the SPCA.

Of the five taken by the Society, all have been checked, medicated and spayed/neutered.

Melick used to operate a kennel out of her home called Canines, Cats and Creatures. She voluntarily relinquished her license in 2009 when health inspectors informed her of improvements that would need to be upgraded.

All of the dogs at the Society are Shepherds and Doberman/Shepherd mixes. They are in need of a lifetime of love, patience and understanding.

During the present financial climate, the Society has been performing the Herculean task of taking in unwanted animals as most of the local and county pounds accept only strays. We are in urgent need of funds to continue to help those who have no where to turn. Please donate today!