276 puppies rescued in 'worst animal hoarding case' in N.J. county's history

Nearly 300 puppies are safe after they were rescued from what authorities called inhumane conditions in a New Jersey home.

The 276 animals were rescued over 15 hours Friday from a residence in Howell Township, Monmouth County, officials said.

The pups are safe and receiving care at shelters, the Monmouth County SPCA said.

The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office called the conditions at the home "deplorable" and said in a Facebook post that the incident marked "the worst animal hoarding case in the history of Monmouth County."

The puppies were various breeds of small dogs, including a litter born Friday afternoon, minutes before they were taken from the home, the sheriff's office said.

None of the dogs found at the home were deceased. The animals were reported to be in fair condition.

No charges have been announced against the dogs' owners. Potential charges could include failing to provide veterinary care and allowing animals to live in inhumane conditions, SPCA officials told NJ.com.

Officials said the residents, Joseph and Charlene Hendricks, were cooperating with investigators, the Asbury Park Press reported.

"Not much to tell at this point in time," Joseph Hendricks told the newspaper as authorities were leaving the home Friday. "I'm exhausted, I can't even think."

The dogs are not yet available for adoption. Officials said the puppies need to be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, medically evaluated, and behaviorally cleared before they will be ready for new homes.