New Jersey: Sick, malnourished cats, dogs found in cages in West New York

NEW JERSEY -- Authorities say 81 cats and 10 dogs — many sick and malnourished — have been found in floor-to-ceiling cages in an apartment in West New York.

West New York Commissioner Susan Colacurcio says animal control officers found the animals Friday after a neighbor reported a foul odor coming from a nearby apartment. She says they were in "horrific, deplorable" condition.

WNBC-TV reports that two people have been arrested and a third is being sought. They're facing 86 counts of animal cruelty.

Authorities say the three were taking money to supposedly adopt and care for unwanted animals.

West New York Health Director Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz says the cats were in cages covering a 12-foot wall and the dogs were hiding in closets. She isn't sure how many can be saved.

(NorthJersey.com - May 28, 2016)