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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
The operators of a non-profit dog rescue face criminal charges in New Jersey following allegations of animal cruelty, fraudulent online fundraising, and illegal euthanasia. The 6abc Digital Staff reported on the ongoing law enforcement investigation for WPVI-TV on November 6, 2026.
The criminal investigation targets Thomas Thompson, age 37, and Brooke Thompson, age 34, who operated Gone Rogue Girls Rescue from Tecumseh Trail in Browns Mills, Pemberton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey 08015, United States.
Law enforcement began investigating the organization after a foster home caregiver in nearby Mullica Township reported an incident involving a pit bull named Biggie Smalls.
According to police reports, the Thompsons visited the foster home in April 2026 to administer routine vaccinations.
When the dog allegedly reacted aggressively toward Brooke Thompson, Thomas Thompson pulled a firearm from his waistband and shot the animal directly in the head.
Following the shooting, the couple bagged the dog’s body and departed the scene.
One month later, the rescue group created a fake online fundraiser soliciting public memorial donations for Biggie Smalls, claiming the dog was humanely euthanized following an aggressive cancer diagnosis.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Thompsons’ residence and adjacent kennels on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Investigators discovered overcrowded kennels covered in waste, where multiple dogs were deprived of fresh drinking water.
Authorities seized twelve surviving dogs and transferred them to the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton for medical treatment and potential adoption.
Both suspects face multiple counts of animal cruelty, while Thomas Thompson was charged with weapons offenses and Brooke Thompson was charged with theft by deception.
My thoughts:
- Thorough vetting procedures are vital when granting rescue licensing to prevent fraudulent organizations from misusing public funds.
- Unsanitary kennel conditions and water deprivation reflect extreme systemic neglect within unmonitored animal rescue operations.
- Deceptive online fundraising campaigns exploit public sympathy and undermine trust in legitimate non-profit animal charities.
- Field euthanasia performed with firearms without veterinary oversight poses severe safety hazards and constitutes illegal animal cruelty.
- Prompt police intervention ensures surviving animals are safely removed and provided with essential veterinary medical care.
- Cross-jurisdictional cooperation between local police and county prosecutors is critical for bringing abusive rescue operators to justice.
Source: Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and WPVI-TV (6abc Digital Staff)
