Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office
MAYS LANDING – Diane Haytas, 56, of Galloway Township, was arrested Wednesday, May 24 and charged on 110 counts of animal cruelty, the Atlantic County Prosecutor said in a release.
Following a monthlong investigation, detectives from the Galloway Township Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office executed a search warrant Wednesday at Haytas’ home on E. Moss Mill Road.
A total of 15 dogs, 12 rabbits, 15 birds, five guinea pigs, two ferrets and five cats were seized. The animals were found to be living in inhumane and unsanitary conditions inside the house, without access to clean water or food. Several of the animals were kept in cages inside a detached garage. A number of deceased birds were discovered lying on the floor of the residence during the execution of the search warrant.
All animals seized were taken to a veterinarian to be evaluated, and will be held pending the outcome of the case.
The Prosecutor’s Office would like to remind the public that any pets that can no longer be properly cared for, or are no longer wanted, can be surrendered to the Atlantic County Animal Shelter in Pleasantville or the Humane Society in Atlantic City.
