New Jersey Man Faces Dozens of Animal Cruelty-Related Charges After 40 Dogs Found Living in Squalor: Prosecutor

A New Jersey man who allegedly had 40 dogs living in extremely unsanitary and inhuman conditions in his home last month is facing more than 30 animal cruelty-related charges, authorities say.

Evelio Calderon, 40, of Roselle, has been charged with two animal cruelty offenses in the third degree, 14 counts of fourth degree animal abuse by failing to provide care and 15 counts of failure to provide necessary care to an animal, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday.

According to officials, the charges were filed after the dogs were medically evaluated by veterinarians.

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On June 14, members of the Roselle Police Department and Roselle Board of Health searched his home wearing full hazmat suits where they allegedly found animals living in squalor, locked inside and forced to relieve themselves indoors.

According to officials, the dogs ranged in age from puppies to seniors, varying in breed and size.

Several of the dogs were allegedly treated on site for acute injuries that included open sores, malnourishment, joint problems and eye issues.

• New Jersey Man Living in Squalor With More Than 40 Dogs Will Face Charges: Prosecutors

Additionally, the dogs allegedly also suffered from visible worms, infected wounds, scars, scratches, and overgrown nails with related lacerations. One of the dogs was missing an ear, while another was missing its tail.

Members of Traveling Paws Animal Rescue in Cranford, New Jersey, assisted in attending to the dogs, which were taken to shelters across New Jersey, including the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, The Last Resort Animal Rescue in West Milford, and the Edison and Montclair municipal animal shelters.

It is not immediately clear if Calderon attained an attorney who could comment on the pending charges.

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