Monmouth County Woman Found With Hundreds Of Dead Animals Given Probation

FREEHOLD, N.J.(CBSNewYork) -- An Ocean Township woman has been sentenced to 5-years probation after hundreds of dead animals were found in her Little Silver home, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said.

Gretchen Rell, 56, had been a volunteer with the wildlife division of the Monmouth County SPCA.

During a visit to Rell's home on March 9, police discovered over 300 dead animals including birds, turtles, rabbits, mice, and opossums. There were other mammals that could not be identified because of decomposition.

An investigation found that between January 2013 and March 2014, Rell had taken a number of animals in for rehabilitation, but the animals died of starvation and dehydration. Prosecutors said that some of the animals were still in their sealed crates or boxes when they were discovered.

As part of her probation Rell will have to complete 30 days of community service and has been prohibited from owning, residing with, or taking animals into her care.

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