Three people have been charged following an investigation into dozens of dogs found abandoned across multiple Sussex County communities, authorities said.

New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office said the animals were discovered March 16 in Stillwater, Lafayette and Wantage townships. Troopers responding to reports found dozens of small dogs left in open crates without food or water at several locations, police said.

Authorities said 32 dogs were rescued, and two were found dead.

RELATED: Dozens of dogs abandoned across Sussex County; search underway for suspect and missing animals

The surviving animals are being cared for by animal control agencies and local veterinary hospitals until they are medically cleared for adoption.

Investigators identified three suspects on March 18: Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Robert Ciemniecki, 74; and Kaila McNeill, 30, all of Phillipsburg.

Joshua Ciemniecki and McNeill were charged with animal cruelty. Both were being held in the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Robert Ciemniecki was charged with one count of animal cruelty and released pending a future court date.