At least 180 animals recovered from an illegal kennel have been put up for adoption, and two women have been charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment.  

Last Friday, residents in the neighborhood of Arrowhead Place in Brick noticed a foul odor coming from a home. According to the police, that odor was from the bodies of two deceased animals inside an illegal kennel. The police chief says 135 dogs and 45 cats were discovered there living in inhumane conditions.  

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The Ocean County Health Department took over the case and worked with police to transport those animals to the Ocean County Animal Facility, where they await adoption.   

Aimee Lonczak and Michele Nycz have since been charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment.   

Daniel Regenye, health director of the Ocean County Health Department, is ensuring the animals are well-cared for before they find a new home.   

“We want to make sure the animals are in the best health to be able to go out,” he said. “In terms of getting the first animal out the door, you're probably looking at least a week and a half to two weeks to be able to go through that process. Every animal that is spayed or neutered has a five-to-six-day recovery time.” 

Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals is encouraged to go through the Ocean County Health Department to begin the process.