'Cages Stacked On Cages': 180 Dogs, Cats Found In Brick Home, 2 Arrested, Police Say

BRICK, NJ — Two women have been charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment after police investigating a report of a puppy mill found about 180 animals living in “cages stacked on cages” at a Brick Township home, police said Saturday.

Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58, were arrested on animal cruelty and child endangerment charges, with the latter because Lonczak’s 16-year-old child was living with them, Brick Sgt. Jim Kelly said. Additional charges may be filed, he said.

Brick Patrolman Scott Smith, the department’s humane law enforcement officer, and Patrolman Brennan Lanni went to the home on the 100 block of Arrowhead Park Drive about 7:30 p.m. Friday about the puppy mill complaint, Kelly said.

As they were speaking with Lonczak and Nycz, in the driveway, Smith and Lanni could smell a strong odor coming from the home and they could hear barking, Kelly said.

The women let the officers into the house and immediately they noticed a strong odor and unsanitary conditions, and saw stacks of animal crates, Kelly said. They stepped back outside and called for a Hazmat team, he said.

Kelly said there were all different breeds, dogs and cats, in "cages stacked on cages."

Initially, officers estimated that there were 30 animals in the house, but as emergency response teams were able to get inside, they realized it was in excess of 100, Kelly said.

“The home was full of animal waste and the animals were living in horrible and inhumane conditions,” Kelly said. At least two dogs were found dead in the home, he said.

Rescuers in Hazmat gear spent 10 hours removing the animals, which Kelly said were taken to a number of area shelters.

There were 135 dogs and 45 cats removed, and veterinarian Dr. Steven Cudia assessed the animals as each was pulled from the home, Kelly said. In addition to the two dead dogs, approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care, he said.

The Ocean County Health Department's animal facilities received 175 animals, and volunteer groups with both county shelters put out a call for blankets, towels and other supplies to aid in caring for them.

The Friends of the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility and the Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter said they had received an overwhelming response that quickly filled their needs.

The animals were still being assessed for health needs and potential for adoption, authorities said. Read more: Dogs, Cats From Brick 'Puppy Mill' Under Ocean County's Care

Photos provided to Patch from the scene overnight showed cages covered in feces and dogs of varying sizes inside them. A witness told Patch the women and the child were living in their car; Kelly could not confirm that information but said it was almost impossible to get into the home.

The home was subsequently condemned by the Brick building and code department, Kelly said.

Lonczak is listed as the contact on several animals listed for adoption on the Rescue Me website, through the Crazy Rescue Ladies organization. The Crazy Rescue Ladies website was showing only a home page as of Saturday afternoon, and the rescue’s Facebook page showed several recent adoptions.

Lonczak and Nycz were being held at the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, pending detention hearings.

Kelly said the extensive situation drew response and assistance from rescue organizations as well as other towns’ first responders, with dozens of agencies and entities helping out.

Among them: 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 and the Red Cross.

Kelly said the 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 Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Zoo assisted with the care and relocation of the animals.

This is report has been updated with additional information from the Brick Township Police Department, along with information about where the animals were taken and the status of the two women charged.

Have a comment, a question or a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com.