Nearly two dozen animals died when flames tore through the Salem County horse trailer where they were being held.
It turns out, the pets’ owner, 60-year-old Brenda Rhodes, has been on the radar of animal cruelty investigators for years, authorities said.
The animals -- 12 cats, five dogs and three birds -- were all killed in the fire which broke out on a farm in rural Oldmans Township Tuesday afternoon.
“There was a propane heater that was left unattended. We believe that ignited the trailer,” New Jersey State Police Lt. Jay Miller told NBC 10 News.
Rhodes was charged with 20 counts of recklessly torturing and needlessly mutilating living animals. Investigators say at times, she too was living in the small horse trailer.
“It’s just heartbreaking but unfortunately, I can’t say that it’s unexpected,” said Bev Greco, executive director of the Cumberland County SPCA.
Cumberland County authorities believe some of the pets killed in the fire were among more than 50 found neglected in a Vineland home where Rhodes lived in September 2010.
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She was convicted and paid a $500 fine but did not have to give up all the animals.
“This woman has taken animals into her care, many, many more than she could ever provide for,” Greco said.
Rhodes’ history with animal issues goes back even further.
More than a dozen animals died and Rhodes herself was seriously burned in a 2007 house fire in Alloway Township, Salem County, officials said. An unattended candle sparked that blaze, investigators said.
Rhodes was leasing the farm in Oldmans Township and also owns several goats and horses that remained there Wednesday evening, State Police said.
Officials with the New Jersey State SPCA will be making sure the goats and horses that remain on the farm are cared for, they said. A local animal control officer brought hay to the animals Wednesday evening and made sure they had water.
“It’s a hoarder situation,” Greco said. “Time and time again they will repeat the same behavior. Hopefully from what has happened now, they can get a ban on her owning animals and try to prevent anything further from happening.”
Rhodes is being held in the Salem County jail in lieu of $10,000 dollars bail.
