BRICK – The stench of feces and dead animals was overwhelming as authorities wearing hazmat suits from multiple agencies responded to the 100 block of Arrowhead Park Drive in the township.
What they found was more than 180 animals, some barely alive and some dead, at a ranch style residence.
Brick police arrested two individuals during an investigation into an illegal puppy mill operation. The structure is 1,200 square feet and neighbors noted the odor from the home on the prior evening.
Around 7:30 p.m. on December 2, Brick Police Humane Law Enforcement Officer Patrolman Scott Smith responded with Patrolman Brennan Lanni to Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents there were running a puppy mill.
The officers met with the two residents, Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58, in the driveway where the four had a conversation about the nature of the complaint.
The officers could smell a strong odor coming from the residence while they spoke with Lonczak and Nycz. They also heard barking and were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately noticed a strong odor and unsanitary conditions.
Both officers observed stacks of animal crates on top of each other with dogs and cats in the crates. Because of the conditions, the officers were forced to exit and requested that a Hazmat team respond.
The officers originally estimated that there were around 30 animals contained within the residence. Once emergency response teams were able to get into the home it became clear that the number of animals was in excess of 100.
The home was full of animal waste and the animals were living in horrible and inhumane conditions. At least two animals removed were deceased – both were dogs.
The number of animals that needed to be rescued called for a large response from agencies throughout central New Jersey.
Rescuers in Hazmat equipment began removing animals which took approximately 10 hours. The animals were then transported to a number of area shelters.
There were 135 dogs and 45 cats removed from the residence.
Veterinarian Steven Cudia V.M.D. responded to assess the animals as each was pulled from the home. In addition to the two deceased dogs, approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care.
The animals that were found alive were reported to be in very poor condition and had not been treated humanely according to Brick Township police spokesman Sgt. James Kelly.
Lonczak and Nycz, who were living inside the residence with Lonczak’s 16-year-old child. They were both arrested for animal cruelty and child endangerment.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. The residence was subsequently condemned by the Brick building and code department.
Among the dozens of agencies and entities that responded to assist with the rescue, placement of the animals and support services are Berkeley Hazmat, Laurelton Fire Company, Pioneer Hose Fire Company, Point Pleasant Boro Fire Company, Brick Animal Control, Brick EMS, Brick Office of Emergency Management, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Building Department, the Red Cross, NJ Animal Disaster Response, the Associated Humane Societies Animal Rescue, and several animal control and rescue agencies from several counties, including the Ocean County Animal Response Team, Anny, Jack and Lucy’s Animal Rescue, Tiny Paws Rescue, Art Cast Rescue, Animal Adoption Center, the Monmouth County SPCA, and the Popcorn Zoo.
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