BRICK, N.J. (CBS) — Two individuals in Ocean County were apprehended for cruelty to animals and endangering a child on Friday night, the police reported. Following an anonymous tip about a potential puppy mill, officers were dispatched to a residence in Ocean County.
Upon arrival, law enforcement rescued almost 200 animals, but unfortunately, it was too late to save at least two dogs.
In Brick, New Jersey, police visited a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and were greeted by the occupants, 49-year-old Aimee Lonczak and 58-year-old Michele Nycz.Â
During their initial inquiry, officers detected a strong animal scent emanating from the property. They were allowed entry and encountered numerous neglected animals inside.
Within the premises, there were stacks of crates containing dogs and cats.
Due to the pervasive presence of excrement in the house, authorities requested assistance from the hazmat team. It was also during this search that two deceased dogs were discovered within the residence.
The process of removing all the animals, which were subsequently distributed to various shelters, took approximately 10 hours.
Additionally, a responding veterinarian arranged for emergency medical treatment for at least eight animals.
Further investigation revealed that a 16-year-old, the daughter of Lonczak, was residing in the home. Both Lonczak and Nycz were taken into custody on charges of animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of a child.
The inquiry is still ongoing, and there is a possibility of additional charges being levied.