Accused dog hoarder convicted on animal cruelty charges

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) -- Animal welfare officials say a woman accused of hoarding nearly 40 dogs in a trash- and feces-filled home in southern New Jersey has been found guilty on two counts of animal cruelty.

The Asbury Park Press reports that the woman was also fined $1,900 and has been barred from owning animals. Her name has not been disclosed.

The dogs were found in the Lakewood home in early May.

Animal control officers and volunteers spent eight hours removing the animals from the residence. Some of the dogs were caked in their own waste and some were discovered hiding in the walls.

The dogs were taken in by various shelters and animal rescue groups.