Browns Mills dog rescue owners arrested on animal cruelty charges
Thomas Thompson, 37, and Brooke Thompson, 34, owned Gone Rogue Girls Rescue, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Pemberton Township Police.
More Stories
A couple from Browns Mills was arrested Thursday after investigators found unsafe conditions at their dog rescue.
Thomas Thompson, 37, and Brooke Thompson, 34, owned Gone Rogue Girls Rescue, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Pemberton Township Police.
They are accused of illegally euthanizing animals and posting false stories online to solicit donations.
A Mullica Township woman told local police the Thompsons killed a dog in her home that she was fostering for their rescue.
She said the couple came to vaccinate the dog, a pit bull named Biggie Smalls, in April. According to her account, when the dog became aggressive and attempted to bite Brooke Thompson, Thomas Thompson pulled out a gun and shot the dog in the head.
The couple reportedly put the dog’s body in a bag and took it with them.
A month later, the rescue posted an online fundraiser for Biggie Smalls’ memorial, claiming the dog had been humanely euthanized after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Gone Rogue Girls Rescue appeared to shut down in October after allegations of the shooting were posted on social media.
The couple was arrested following a search of their home, where investigators found overcrowded kennels covered in animal waste. Investigators say some dogs also did not have access to water.
Twelve dogs were removed and taken to the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton.
The prosecutor’s office said investigators suspect more dogs may have been illegally euthanized by the Thompsons.
Thomas Thompson faces weapons charges, and Brooke Thompson is charged with theft by deception in connection with the fundraiser. Both face animal cruelty charges.
