Josh Newman

@Joshua_Newman

For a man who is overseeing the rarest of situations involving poor conditions for animals, Ross Licitra certainly sounded upbeat on Sunday afternoon.

That may be because two days after 276 dogs were found living in horrid conditions in a home in Howell, all 276 survived. Some were even thriving, according to Licitra, who is executive director and police chief for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"Right now, the SPCA is just packed with volunteers, and we are just now getting through the final batch of (dogs), going through medical exams and taking care of every little issue," Licitra said. "All of them are doing well, but so many of them are in shock. This is the first time out of that house in their lives, but they are adjusting nicely."

WATCH: 276 dogs rescued from Howell home

That initial count of 276 dogs is increasing. According to Licitra, one or two of the 142 dogs being held at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison have given birth. The SPCA's medical examiner estimated that between 20 and 25 dogs are pregnant, which could yield approximately 100 more dogs.

Licitra reiterated on Sunday that the couple whose home the dogs were found at, Joseph and Charlene Hendricks, have cooperated with authorities, but also that charges will be forthcoming this week once he sits down with the Monmouth County prosecutor.

"These people have very limited means, and we understand that," Licitra said. "We have to send a message that this is unacceptable. In the overall picture, the sheer magnitude of this, that the dogs had to live in those conditions, it's not OK."

Licitra was adamant that he does not want to see the couple put in jail but that there has to be some form of punishment.

"In the end, we will look to get them some psychiatric help as well. We will go down that road, and I will ask the judge for an animal ban, something along the lines of no more than four or five dogs," Licitra said.

WATCH: Dog hoarding press conference

The outpouring of support in the wake of Friday's discovery has been overwhelming, according to Licitra. Countless people have inquired about adopting, but that is still a week or two away.

When the dogs are up for adoption, Licitra said, they will be available at the SPCA's main office at 260 Wall St.in Eatontown and at the Homeward Bound Adoption Center at Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township. The latest information on adoption can be found at MonmouthCountySPCA.org.

Staff Writer Josh Newman: jnewman@app.com