Owners of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in New Jersey charged after dog allegedly shot in the head

BROWNS MILLS, N.J. (WPVI) -- The owners of a New Jersey dog rescue have been charged with animal cruelty and other offenses, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday.

The suspects were identified as Thomas Thompson, 37, and Brooke Thompson, 34, the operators of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue.

The Thompsons, of Tecumseh Trail, are accused of keeping dogs in deplorable living conditions, euthanizing animals illegally, and posting fake stories online to solicit donations.

According to prosecutors, the investigation began after a Mullica Township resident informed police that a dog she was fostering had been killed at her home by the Thompsons.

The resident said the Thompsons came to her home in April 2026 to vaccinate the dog, a pit bull named Biggie Smalls that had come from their rescue, investigators said.

The resident alleged the dog became aggressive and tried to bite Brooke Thompson, at which time Thomas Thompson pulled a gun from his waistband and shot the dog in the head, the prosecutor's office said.

The Thompsons placed Biggie Smalls in a bag and took the slain dog with them, the resident allegedly told police.

Prosecutors say a month later, Gone Rogue Girls Rescue created an online fundraiser asking for memorial donations for Biggie Smalls, allegedly claiming he had been humanely euthanized and buried after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Gone Rogue Girls Rescue appeared to cease operating last month after allegations of the dog shooting were made public on social media, prosecutors said.

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The Thompsons were taken into custody on Thursday during an execution of a search warrant at their home.

The home is on the same property as the rescue's kennels, which prosecutors say were found to be overcrowded and covered in feces and urine.

Some dogs did not have access to water, prosecutors said.

Twelve dogs were removed from the property and were taken to the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton. The prosecutor's office said the dogs are receiving needed medical care and are in various stages of recovery. Some may eventually become available for adoption.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators suspect that multiple dogs may have been illegally euthanized by the Thompsons.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office at BurlPros.org/Tips.

The Thompsons were each charged with two counts of Animal Cruelty. Brooke Thompson was charged with Theft by Deception, while Thomas Thompson was charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of Weapons.