Andrew Ford

@AndrewFordNews

The Howell couple who authorities said hoarded 276 dogs in their home under what animal rescue workers described as deplorable conditions have been charged with 552 counts of animal cruelty — two for each dog taken from the property.

Charlene and Joseph Handrik were charged with 276 counts of inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal by providing inhumane living conditions, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. They also face 276 counts of failing to provide veterinary care for the dogs.

“You’ve got to charge for every animal," said Monmouth County SPCA Chief Ross Licitra. "Every animal is a victim."

ANIMAL HOARDING:276 dogs discovered in Howell home

Licitra said the agencies involved in the rescue met at the prosecutor's office Monday afternoon to discuss how to charge the couple. All of the charges are disorderly persons offenses, and the case will be prosecuted in the Howell Township Municipal Court.

The couple were booked at Howell Township Police Department Thursday, according to Licitra. They were released pending a court date.

Licitra noted that the couple have been cooperative with authorities.

“They knew the charges were coming," he said.

“This decision was due in large part to the miraculous fact that despite living in deplorable conditions and not receiving proper veterinary care, the dogs seized from the residence were in relatively good physical health,” Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement.

PUPPY LOVE: First of Howell rescue dogs adopted

If found guilty, the couple could face jail time, according to Licitra. They could face fines between $250 and $1,000 on each charge they're convicted of.

Over 12 hours on June 3, dozens of workers in hazmat suits pulled out dozens of dogs from the 1,880-square-foot home. They rescued handfuls of puppies, and dogs of several different breeds, including pugs, chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers.

As workers opened the front door to re-enter the house to remove more dogs, barking could be heard from inside. Some of the hazmat workers put on ventilators and air tanks, similar to what firefighters wear, before entering the house. Urine and feces were on the floor, and holes were torn through walls. A foul odor permeated the air.

“Domesticated dogs need emotional support," Licitra said. "They need to feel loved, they need to feel comforted, they need to have interaction with their owners and their family. That’s what makes them bond with their family. It’s impossible to have 276 dogs and bond with all of them. They’re all severely neglected just by the sheer numbers in their living condition.”

The first of the dogs – a brindle French Bulldog mix – was adopted June 8. Several more have been adopted since. Licitra said a few dogs are becoming available for adoption at a time as authorities work to neuter and socialize them.

Some of the dogs that were rescued have had puppies, bringing the total number of animals rescued to more than 300.

Andrew Ford: 732-643-4281; aford3@gannettnj.com