According to the police, two women have been accused of animal cruelty and child endangerment after authorities responding to a report of a puppy mill discovered approximately 180 animals confined to “stacked cages” at a residence in Brick Township.
Brick Sgt. Jim Kelly reported that Aimee Lonczak, aged 49, and Michele Nycz, aged 58, have been taken into custody on charges of animal cruelty and child endangerment. The charge of child endangerment was added because Lonczak’s 16-year-old child resided with them. Kelly also stated that further charges may be imposed.
According to Kelly, Brick Patrolman Scott Smith, who serves as the department’s humane law enforcement officer, along with Patrolman Brennan Lanni, visited the residence on the 100 block of Arrowhead Park Drive at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday in response to the puppy mill complaint.
During their conversation with Lonczak and Nycz in the driveway, Smith and Lanni detected a pungent smell emanating from the residence and could hear dogs barking, according to Kelly.
Upon entering the house, the officers promptly detected a foul odor and unsanitary conditions, including stacks of animal crates. They subsequently left the premises and summoned a Hazmat team, as per Kelly.
Kelly stated that the animals discovered in the house were of various breeds, including dogs and cats, and were kept in “cages stacked on cages.” Although the officers initially estimated that there were 30 animals present, it was later determined by emergency response teams that there were over 100 animals in the house.
Kelly stated that the home was in a deplorable state with animal waste all over, and the animals were living in terrible and inhumane conditions. He also said that two dogs were found dead inside the house.
According to Kelly, it took 10 hours for rescuers in Hazmat gear to remove the animals from the house. He also mentioned that the animals were taken to various local shelters.
According to Brick Sgt. Jim Kelly, a total of 135 dogs and 45 cats were rescued from the home, and veterinarian Dr. Steven Cudia examined each animal as it was removed from the home. Eight animals needed emergency veterinary care, in addition to the two dogs that were found dead in the house.
Volunteer groups from county shelters are asking for donations of blankets, towels, and other supplies to help care for 175 animals that were taken in by the Ocean County Health Department’s animal facilities after a puppy mill was found in Brick Township, New Jersey.
Read More: Brick, NJ Patch