More than 100 cats and dogs were found in a home in Brick on Thursday evening, leading authorities to remove the animals in an investigation that continued Friday afternoon.
Brick Township Police received a call from a resident on Mantoloking Road for an excessive number of cats inside the home, according to a news release from the department. When they arrived to the scene, officers requested assistance from Berkeley Hazmat and Brick Township Fire District No. 1.
After conditions were determined to be safe, authorities began removing the animals, the release said. Animals were still being removed as of Friday afternoon.
Up to 110 cats and three dogs were removed from the home as of 1:30 p.m. Friday, according to Brian Lippai, spokesperson for the Ocean County Health Department. All of the animals went to the department’s shelters in Manahawkin and Jackson.
Lippai said the animals were overall healthy, but now have to undergo the process of getting them ready for adoption, including veterinary exams, vaccines, flea treatment, baths and spaying/neutering.
No deceased animals were found at the scene, police said. The investigation is ongoing.
In December, authorities seized around 190 animals from another residence in Brick, from what authorities described as an alleged illegal puppy mill operation.
In April, two women involved in the hoarding turned down plea bargains that would have required them to serve less than a year in the Ocean County Jail. The case is proceeding to a grand jury for an indictment.