Deptford TWP, NJ~On April 3rd, 2012 a Deptford police officer was responding to a complaint at the home of Roxanne Notaro when he discovered Hercules in terrible shape and in horrific conditions. He was emaciated and locked in a small crate in the basement, covered in his own urine, feces and fleas. He was anemic as a result of the flea infestation.

Hercules was so weak he couldn’t even stand on his own; he was taken to Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital where he received emergency care.

She also owned a chocolate lab that was in good weight and good health except for fleas. The chocolate lab was surrendered to the NJSPCA. In addition, NJSPCA found an elderly cat that was also malnourished and in poor condition, unfortunately, the cat had to be euthanized.

She was charged with six (6) counts of animal cruelty. The charges were filed in Deptford Municipal Court by the NJSPCA on Monday, April 9. With regard to Hercules, Notaro was charged with five counts of animal cruelty; depriving a living creature of necessary sustenance, failure to provide a living creature with proper food and/or drink and torture, torment a living animal or creature. Notaro was also charged with one count of animal cruelty due to the condition of the cat.

Hercules is now in foster care where he is recovering slowly but surely. According to NJSPCA, he is responding well to the care he is receiving and is eating small meals to build his strength and weight. Once he is strong enough, he will require surgery to his right elbow due to complications from the malnutrition, neglect and living on his own feces for so long.

It is very difficult to comprehend how a person starves one dog in basement and feeds another upstairs. Please add your name to this petition and let’s get justice for Hercules.

This petition will be updated as more information becomes available; however, the intent will remain the same.

Photo Credit: NJSPCA

Related Sources:

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2012/04/roxanne_notaro_of_deptford_cha.html​

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-philadelphia/nj-woman-faces-animal-cruelty-charges-after-dog-found-starving-basement-1?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150634814850951_21071705_10150634830705951

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/04/10/nj-woman-charged-with-animal-cruelty-after-dog-recovered-nearly-starved-to-death/