BRICK – The two women responsible for hoarding 180 dogs and cats in a Brick Township home have plead guilty to criminal charges, officials said.
Michele Nycz, 60, pled guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty; and Aimee Lonczak, 51, pled guilty to Child Neglect, as well as two counts of Animal Cruelty. These charges stem from a hoarding investigation that began on December 2, 2022.
At the time of their sentencing on August 16, the State will be seeking 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation as to each defendant, a lifetime ban on owning animals, a ban on working with animals, and community service not involving animals.
Authorities discovered nearly 180 animals in cages in a home and vehicle on Arrowhead Park Drive in Brick Township.
After an anonymous complaint that Lonczak and Nycz were running a puppy mill, officers became aware of a strong odor coming from the residence, as well as barking, while speaking with the duo. Police then entered the home and found cats and dogs in cages, standing in their own feces and urine.
A Hazmat team responded and removed about 129 dogs and 43 cats, as well as the bodies of two deceased dogs.
Officials deemed the living conditions uninhabitable and the home was condemned by Brick Township code enforcement.
Additionally, Lonczak’s 16-year-old daughter was living in the home with the animals.
On January 10, 2023, the two women had an initial court hearing with one of their major requests being to have their personal dogs returned to them. They claimed that when the animals were seized by authorities, seven of the dogs personally belonged to them and wanted them released back into their care.
In February and March 2023, agreements were made that these dogs were officially surrendered to the state and would be put up for adoption.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in connection with this investigation leading to the defendants’ guilty pleas.
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