South Jersey Dog Rescue Operators Charged With Animal Cruelty; 12 Dogs Removed
Two operators of a Burlington County, New Jersey, dog rescue have been charged following an investigation involving the alleged shooting of a foster dog, disputed fundraising representations and conditions at the organization’s kennels.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office announced the charges on Thursday, November 5, 2026, against Thomas Thompson, 37, and Brooke Thompson, 34, operators of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in Browns Mills.
Both defendants face animal-cruelty charges. Brooke Thompson also faces a theft-by-deception charge, while Thomas Thompson faces weapons-related charges, according to reporting by 6abc Action News.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.
Investigation Began With Foster Dog’s Death
According to prosecutors, the investigation began after a Mullica Township resident reported that a dog she had been fostering through the rescue was killed during a visit by the organization’s operators.
The dog, a pit bull named Biggie Smalls, was reportedly in the foster caregiver’s home when the Thompsons visited in April 2026 to administer vaccinations.
Investigators allege the dog became aggressive and attempted to bite Brooke Thompson. Thomas Thompson allegedly shot the animal, after which the dog’s remains were removed from the property.
The circumstances of the shooting, including any claimed justification, remain matters for the investigation and criminal proceedings.
Questions About Memorial Fundraising
Authorities also allege that the rescue subsequently presented a different explanation for Biggie Smalls’ death in a fundraising appeal.
According to investigators, the appeal represented that the dog had aggressive cancer and had been humanely euthanized and buried.
Prosecutors are examining allegations that the account was false and that donations were solicited through deceptive representations. Those claims have not been established in court.
Twelve Dogs Removed From Browns Mills Property
Investigators executing a search warrant at the rescue property on November 5 reported finding overcrowded kennels and unsanitary conditions, including contamination from animal waste. Authorities also reported concerns about access to drinking water.
Twelve dogs were removed from the property and transferred to the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton for evaluation and care.
The removal of the animals raises immediate questions about their health, their future placement and the standards of care provided while they were under the rescue’s supervision.
Any eventual adoption arrangements would depend on the dogs’ medical conditions, legal status and decisions by the appropriate authorities.
Investigation Remains Open
Investigators are also examining allegations involving the possible deaths of additional dogs associated with the rescue. Authorities have not established a verified number of additional deaths in the publicly reported allegations.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking information from anyone with relevant knowledge of the rescue’s operations or the treatment of animals in its care.
Information can be submitted through the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office tip portal.
Animal Rescue Depends on Public Trust
Animal rescue organizations occupy a position of significant responsibility. Foster families, adopters, donors and volunteers rely on them to provide humane care and truthful information about the animals they serve.
Allegations involving the people entrusted with protecting vulnerable animals warrant careful investigation, accountability where wrongdoing is proven and appropriate safeguards for animals still in need of care.
For now, the immediate welfare of the 12 dogs removed from the Browns Mills property remains a central concern. The criminal proceedings will determine the legal responsibility of those charged.
DefendAnimals.net will continue following confirmed developments in this investigation.
Sources
6abc Action News — Report on Gone Rogue Girls Rescue charges, November 5, 2026.
NBC10 Philadelphia — South Jersey rescue investigation, November 5, 2026.
