Hundreds Of Pets In Need Following Brick Hoarder Rescue: How To Help

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — After 180 dogs and cats were rescued from a hoarding situation in Brick this past weekend, many residents across Ocean County are looking for ways to help.

Read More: Brick Animal Hoarding Case: Questions And Answers

Both of the county's animal facilities, in Jackson and Manahawkin, took in some of the animals, while the rest were sent to an emergency shelter in Barnegat. Read More: Dogs, Cats From Brick 'Puppy Mill' Under Ocean County's Care

The animals rescued are not available for adoption. Brian Lippai, spokesperson for the Ocean County Health Department, told Patch that they were awaiting transfer of ownership to the shelters from the police department and prosecutor.

Once that is complete, adoptions will begin, Lippai said.

Shelters have noted an "overwhelming" amount of donations following the rescue on Saturday, but are still in need after taking in so many new animals on top of their already-full facilities.

Manahawkin could use coats, as the dogs are not used to being outside, especially in such low temperatures, the Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter said.

The shelter is also in need of blankets and Pedigree dry and wet dog food, the Southern Friends said Tuesday morning.

All donations can be brought to the facility at 360 Haywood Road, Manahawkin. Gifts can also be sent via their Amazon wish list. Monetary donations can be made through the Friends' website.

"We cannot express how thankful we are for the overwhelming support," the shelter wrote. "The Brick animals are certainly feeling the love and so are we."

The Friends of the Northern Ocean County Animal Shelter shared similar posts asking for coats and sweaters, which can be brought to 615 Freemont Ave, Jackson.

If the Manahawkin and Jackson locations are not convenient, you can bring donations to Popcorn Park Animal Shelter at 1 Humane Way, Forked River, and the staff there will take them to the facilities in need. A comprehensive list of items needed can be found at the end of this article.

Monetary donations can also be made through check to the Ocean County Health Department, which runs the shelters. Mention "Brick hoarding" or "animal health trust fund" on the subject line.

Aside from donations, the Jackson facility is also packed with pets and is asking for them to either be adopted or taken by a rescue.

Some have already been saved by local rescues like Rescue Ridge and Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters Inc.

This opens up a spot at the shelter for the animals brought in from Brick.

"When rescues 'pull' from shelters, and when you adopt from shelters, you are helping to save two lives...one you adopt and one to take its place," Rescue Ridge wrote on social media.

But even with these rescues, the shelter is still "quite full," the Northern Friends said.

"These resident pups need to be moved out in order to accommodate all of the poor dogs from the recent heartbreaking situation," the Northern Friends wrote on social media.

Sandy Hickman, spokesperson for Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Shelter, which helped rescue the animals on Saturday, encouraged anyone who could to adopt pets already in the shelters. Read More: 'Nightmare': Popcorn Park Officer Shares Hoarder House Experience

"NJ shelters are full to capacity and this situation just brings to light the fact that there is such a dire need for people to open their hearts and homes to shelter pets, instead of buying or breeding," she told Patch.

Per the Ocean County Health Department, here are the specific donations needed.

• Small leashes (no retractables, please)
• Dog harnesses in all sizes
• Small dog bowls
• Can openers
• Non-clumping cat litter
• Disposable aluminum pans (Lasagna trays)
• Pedigree small-breed dry dog food
• Wet dog and cat food (Fancy Feast)
• Dog treats (not made in China)(Beggin strips, meaty treats, milkbones, peanut butter)
• Dawn brand dish soap
• Heavy-duty Kong dog toys & other toys (no used toys, please)
• Cat toys
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Pet-friendly ice salt
• Pet shampoos
• Dog and cat beds (all sizes)
• Gently used blankets & towels

Full coverage:

• Brick Animal Hoarding Case: Questions And Answers
• 180 Dogs, Cats Removed From Brick Home, 2 Arrested: Police
• Dogs, Cats From Brick 'Puppy Mill' Under Ocean County's Care
• How Rescue Founder Hid Brick Animal Hoarding: Fosters, Adopters Speak
• 'Desperate Need': Manahawkin Animal Shelter Asks For Coats, Cash
• 'Nightmare': Popcorn Park Officer Shares Hoarder House Experience