By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Tuesday, October 10, Lourdes Martinez, 34, of Galloway Township, was indicted on 22 counts of third-degree animal cruelty by an Atlantic County Grand Jury.
According to officials, Martinez was arrested on July 22, 2023, after Galloway Township Police executed a search warrant at her home following numerous complaints from neighbors about animals living inside the home in unsanitary conditions.
Once inside Martinez’s residence, police located 21 cats that were all in need of medical attention, officials stated.
Officials said all of the cats were later evaluated by a veterinarian, who determined that the cats were suffering from respiratory illnesses and eye infections.
A dog was also located and determined to be suffering from untreated illnesses and malnutrition, authorities say.
Officials say none of the animals inside the home had access to clean food or water.
The interior of the home was covered in cat urine, feces, garbage, and mold, according to officials.
The case was investigated by the Galloway Township Police Department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers.