NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A Burlington County couple is facing animal cruelty charges after prosecutors said they kept dogs in their care in deplorable conditions and illegally euthanized them to solicit money.
According to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation into Thomas and Brooke Thompson — owners of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in Browns Mills — began last month, when Mullica Township police were told the couple killed a pit bull someone had fostered from them.
Prosecutors said the couple went to the foster’s home in April to vaccinate the dog, named “Biggie Smalls,” but the dog allegedly got aggressive and tried to bite Brooke. That’s when Thomas pulled out a gun and, according to the foster, shot the dog in the head and put its dead body inside a bag and took it with them.
The couple then posted a fundraiser asking for memorial donations for the dog about a month later, claiming that Biggie had been humanely euthanized after a brain cancer diagnosis.
The couple's charges include animal cruelty, theft by deception and weapons charges.
The rescue ceased operations last month after information spread on social media about the shooting. Officials removed 12 dogs from the property and took them to the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton.
The dogs are receiving medical care and are all in various stages of recovery. Some may later be up for adoption.
Their residence shares property with a kennel, which, according to the prosecutor’s office, was overcrowded and covered in feces and urine. Both Brooke and Thomas were charged with animal cruelty.
They owned Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in Browns Mills
They owned Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in Browns Mills
