This time in the Wilds of New Jersey. From AP via HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Dozens of animals, some dead, found in N.J. mansion

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A rotten odor seeping from a home in an upscale neighborhood led to the discovery of dozens of dogs and cats, many of them dead, inside the feces-ridden mansion, authorities said Wednesday.

"Behind a mansion door there's a horror house," said James Lagrosa, head of the Bergen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

At least 80 live cats and six dogs were removed from the Saddle River house, although one kitten died later, he said. In the garage, authorities found 23 separate plastic bags that contained the remains of dead animals, some so decomposed it couldn't be determined what type of animal they were.

A delivery person alerted authorities Tuesday about the smell coming from the home of Cynthia and Philip Tamis and worried that a body was decomposing inside.

When authorities arrived and could not find anyone home, Lagrosa said, they entered the house and discovered the animals, pet food strewn around the floor and feces soiling every room.

The couple eventually came home and were surprised by the commotion, Lagrosa said.

A lawyer for the couple, Santo Bonanno, said his clients lived in the home for about eight years and had a long history of taking in sick and abandoned animals.

But, he said, they were going through severe financial hardships after Cynthia Tamis' personnel business went bankrupt in 2003. The couple had taken out a number of loans to prop up the business, and were eventually forced to sell their home last Friday in a foreclosure auction for $2.6 million, Bonanno said.

"These are true animal lovers," Bonanno said. "Things just got out of hand. ... She just fell apart."

Bonanno said the couple, who are currently staying at a motel, are cooperating with authorities.

Lagrosa said he intends to file charges against the couple. Meanwhile, he said authorities are still removing animals from the house.

+++

The rich are different.