Shelter Staff Honored For Care Of Animals From Brick Hoarding Case

BRICK, NJ — The Ocean County Health Department and the staff of its animal facilities have been honored by the New Jersey Senate and Assembly for the care they provided to the animals rescued in December from the hoarding situation at a Brick Township home.

A joint resolution by the New Jersey Legislature applauded the work of the more than 50 employees of the Ocean County Health Department and the county's animal facilities in caring for the 134 dogs and 44 cats taken from the inhospitable living conditions.

"When brought to the three Ocean County animal facilities, the animals were in desperate need of immediate care," county officials said in announcing the state recognition. "It was a painstaking process that not only included bathing, grooming, and medical exams but also a variety of other much-needed procedures performed, such as clinical and behavior testing, administering of vaccines and medications, dental cleanings, and spay/neuter surgeries."

Of the animals that were brought to the county's shelter, more than 155 have found loving homes, officials said.

The case against the two women who had the animals, Aimee Lonczak and Michele Nycz, is continuing. Their next scheduled court hearing is Feb. 21, when their petition for the return of seven dogs they say were their personal pets is set to be heard by Superior Court Judge Linda Baxter.

If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog from the Ocean County Animal Facilities in Jackson or Manahawkin please call 732-657-8087 or 609-978-0127.