21 pets seized from N.J. home in alleged animal cruelty case

Two people have been criminally charged with animal cruelty after 21 animals were rescued from their Middlesex County home this week, authorities said.

A total of 16 dogs, three birds, one cat and a mouse were found “living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions” on the property in Old Bridge, according to a news release from the township police department.

The animals also lacked proper veterinary care, the department said.

The property’s residents, identified as Tracey Kass, 59, and Shane Ulmer, 45, were each charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, police said. They also face multiple related violations of township ordinances.

Police and animal control officers were alerted to the case by members of the public. It was not immediately clear how many complaints were made about the home, or who made them.

The animals were removed from the home and were brought to the Old Bridge Animal Shelter, where they were evaluated and began receiving medical care, police said.

“This is a deeply troubling case that highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for responsible pet ownership,” the police department said.

A spokesperson for the department did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

An investigation into the matter was ongoing on Saturday, with the possibility of additional charges pending, police said.

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AJ McDougall may be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall.