Police have arrested two residents during an investigation into an alleged illegal puppy mill operation at a residential home at 111 Arrowhead Park Drive where a total of 180 animals have been found.
According to
Brick Township Police Department, at 7:30 pm on Friday, December 2nd, Brick Police Humane Law Enforcement Officer Ptl. Scott Smith responded with Ptl. Brennan Lanni to a home on 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 years old) and Michele Nycz (58 years old), in the driveway where the four had a conversation about the nature of the complaint. While speaking with Lonczak and Nycz, officers could smell a strong odor coming from the residence and they could hear barking.
The officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately noticed a strong odor and unsanitary conditions. The 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.
It took almost ten hours to remove the animals when rescuers in Hazmat gear started. After that, the animals were moved to a variety of nearby shelters. 45 cats and 135 dogs were taken out of the house. Steven Cudia V.M.D., a veterinarian, arrived and examined each animal as it was removed from the house.
Approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care in addition to the two dead dogs.
Both Lonczak and Nycz, who were residing in the home with Lonczak's 16-year-old child, were taken into custody for endangering the welfare of animals and children.
There is still evidence to look into, therefore further charges could be brought. The Brick building and code department subsequently condemned the house.
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.
