PRESS RELEASE: August 29, 2023

On August 28, 2023, Evesham Police Officers responded to the 600 block of Main Street for the report of suspected animal cruelty. A witness reported multiple dogs were on location that appeared to be sick and/or malnourished. Contact was made with the homeowners, at the residence, and officers found living and deceased dogs in the residence.

Officers also found that the conditions in the residence were extremely poor due to the amount of deceased animals throughout the home. A juvenile was also found to be living in the home and was removed by police due to the unhealthy conditions. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P) was contacted and are investigating. The child is now in the care of DCP&P.

Officers found 14 dogs were found to be living in the residence, along with numerous cats and rabbits. Officers found in excess of 30 deceased dogs in the residence, throughout the living space of the home. 9 dogs have been transported to the Mt. Laurel Animal Hospital, with several in extremely poor health.

One dog was in such poor health, that euthanization was required. The Evesham Township Police Department is currently working with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office to process the scene. The investigation has generated information that as many as 100 dogs have died in this home, many of which are present in the home or are suspected to have been buried on the property. The ongoing search of the home is in connection with the execution of a search warrant, authorized to search the home to recover evidence.

Rebecca Halbach (W/F 35 years old) and Brandon Leconey (W/M 32 years old) were both arrested for endangering the welfare of a child (crime of the 2nd degree) and animal cruelty (crime of the 3rd degree). Leconey was lodged in Burlington County Jail. Halbach is currently being evaluated at the hospital for an unrelated medical condition, and she will be lodged in jail once she is cleared for incarceration. They will be lodged pending a detention hearing at the Burlington County Superior Court.

This investigation is ongoing, additional animal cruelty charges will be filed once the actual number of dogs can be determined.

The Evesham Police Department asks that anyone who has information related to this ongoing investigation, including anyone who provided animals to the residents of this home, please contact the Evesham Police Department at 856-983-1116, confidential tip

The Evesham Police Department investigates crimes related to children with the utmost concern and work diligently to apprehend and prosecute suspects of these crimes. The Evesham Police Department also has three certified Humane Law Enforcement Officers, who respond to and investigate animal cruelty cases. These officers are also working, thoroughly on this investigation, to charge and prosecute the suspects related to the despicable conditions in this home and the malnourishment/abuse of the animals in this home.

Arrested:

Rebecca Halbach (w/f 35 of Marlton) Brandon Leconey (w/m 32 of Marlton)

Charges:

Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2nd Degree) Animal Cruelty / Neglect (3rd Degree