FREEHOLD, N.J. – A longtime volunteer with a local animal protection organization in New Jersey has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges.
Authorities say they found more than 300 dead birds and animals in the Little Silver home of the volunteer, 56-year-old Gretchen Rell.
Her attorney says Rell was overwhelmed by the number of animals in her care. She had volunteered with the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Rell entered her plea Monday. The Asbury Park Press reports (http://on.app.com/X8y7ZE ) that under terms of the plea agreement, Rell will be sentenced to probation in September. She'll also have to undergo mental health treatment, serve 30 days of community service, have no contact with the SPCA and shall not own, reside with or take into care or custody any pet.
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Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, http://www.app.com
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