Lanette Espy

Jim Murdoch

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May 5, 2023, 8:25 AM

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Updated

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Animal shelters in Ocean County are now caring for 110 cats and three dogs removed from a Brick Township home Thursday night and Friday morning.

The Ocean County Health Department says the cats and dogs were removed from a home along Mantoloking Road. Hazmat teams from Berkeley Township and Brick police received calls just before 7 p.m. Thursday from nearby residents.

The animals were taken throughout the night to county-run shelters in Manahawkin and Jackson animal shelters in good condition, News 12 New Jersey was told. It's not known if the people who live at the home are still inside.

MORE: Police called to Brick Township home to take in large number of cats

Brian Lippai, of the Ocean County Health Department, said the family was willing to surrender the animals.

"Let's think that this is just an overwhelming situation. They had their best interests at heart, saving some of these pets or keeping these pets. Never turned out that way. It always seems to get overwhelming for folks like this," Lippai said.

The animals are being cared for and will be ready for adoption soon, News 12 was told. Each animal must be inspected by a veterinarian and then treated for any illness or disease. The Ocean County Health Department will post on its website and social media pages when they are ready for adoption and whatever donations the shelters may need.

An ordinance in Brick says residents cannot have more than five dogs, cats or a combination of both. In this situation, police say this incident does not appear to be criminal. The animals were in good health. Brick Township police say none of the animals located at the scene were deceased.

This is the second incident in less than a year in Brick Township involving so many animals inside one home. Police say that this situation is not similar to an animal hoarding case in the township this past December.