BRICK, NJ (CBS) — Two people from Ocean County were arrested Friday evening on charges of animal cruelty and child endangerment, police said. Officers went to an Ocean County home following an anonymous complaint about a possible puppy mill.
When officers arrived, they rescued nearly 200 animals, but for at least two dogs, it was too late.
Brick, New Jersey police were at a home on Arrowhead Park Drive at 7:30 p.m. Friday, where they were greeted by residents Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58.
During the first interview, officers could smell a strong animal odor coming from the house. They were allowed into the house where they were greeted by a multitude of neglected animals.
Inside there were dogs and cats in cages stacked on top of each other.
Police called the hazmat team because the house was covered in feces. That’s also when they found two dead dogs inside the house.
It took rescuers about 10 hours to evacuate all the animals, which were sent to several shelters in the area.
A responding veterinarian also sent at least eight animals for emergency veterinary care.
Further investigation also revealed that a 16-year-old girl, Lonczak’s daughter, was living in the home. Lonczak and Nycz were arrested on charges of animal cruelty and child endangerment.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.