Authorities in Ocean County, New Jersey, made a significant animal rescue on Friday night, leading to the arrest of two individuals on charges of animal cruelty and child endangerment. The incident unfolded at a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in Brick, where police responded to an anonymous tip suggesting the presence of a puppy mill.
Upon arrival at the home around 7:30 p.m., officers were greeted by the residents, identified as 49-year-old Aimee Lonczak and 58-year-old Michele Nycz. A strong odor of neglect filled the air, prompting officers to seek permission to enter the premises. What they discovered inside was alarming: nearly 200 animals, including dogs and cats, were found in deplorable conditions, crammed into crates stacked on top of one another.
The situation escalated quickly, and police called in a hazmat team to assist with the rescue efforts, as the interior of the house was heavily contaminated with animal waste. Tragically, the team discovered two deceased dogs during their search, highlighting the severity of the neglect.
Rescuers worked tirelessly for approximately 10 hours to remove the surviving animals from the house. Many of the rescued animals were sent to local shelters for care, while at least eight required immediate veterinary attention due to their condition.
Further investigation revealed that Lonczak’s 16-year-old daughter also resided in the home, raising concerns about her welfare amid the unsanitary and hazardous living conditions. Both Lonczak and Nycz were taken into custody and face charges related to animal cruelty and endangerment of a minor.
The investigation remains active, with authorities indicating that additional charges could be forthcoming as they continue to assess the situation. This incident underscores the ongoing issues surrounding animal welfare and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspected cases of abuse and neglect.