An animal rescue in Essex County is sounding the alarm after seeing a surge in abandoned animals left to fend for themselves in the cold.

Rosemarie's Rescue Ranch in Verona shared a disturbing photo of two cats that were left in freezing temperatures in front of their storage room. Volunteers found the cats near death, and the rescue group says this is not an isolated incident.

The increase in abandoned animals is putting a strain on rescue groups like Rosemarie's Rescue Ranch, which are working to provide care and shelter for the animals in need.