BRICK: Aimee Lonczak and Michele Nycz appeared before Judge Linda Baxter for a case status conference at which time the women made a motion to Judge Baxter that seven of the dogs, which were their personal pets, be returned to them. Prosecutor, Bradley D. Billhimer opposed this request stating, “It is the State’s position that neither of these two defendants should ever be able to possess a pet again”. Judge Baxter set this motion down for oral argument on January 24, 2023.

Lonczak and Nycz was arrested on December 3, 2022 after animal control offers and police discovered 180 animals living in deplorable conditions, covered in crusted feces and urine and living in cages piled on top of each other. Those involved in the intense rescue of 135 dogs and 45 cats had to dress in hazmat protective gear to remove the animals from the home. Two dogs were found deceased.

Both women have been charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment due to Lonczak’s 16 year old daughter living in those conditions. Both women were released from jail on December 8, 2022 by Judge Wendel Daniels. The conditions of their release was that they have no contact with Lonczak’s 16 year old daughter and no interaction with animals. They also signed over the rights to the animals so that the shelter could begin adopting them into new homes. Some dogs that had chips have begun to be reunited with their families.

The next case status conference is scheduled for March 14, 2023.