BRICK – A township man is facing time in prison after hoarding over 100 animals in his home, police said.
Jeffrey Finlay, 56, of Brick Township, pled guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty in connection to the discovery of 157 cats and three dogs living at his home on Mantoloking Road on May 4, 2023.
At the time of his sentencing on April 25, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of 180 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation, in addition to a lifetime ban on animal ownership and community service not involving animals.
It took police over 24 hours to remove the animals and transfer them for treatment and evaluation to the Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities, which are under the direction of the Ocean County Health Department.
Initially, Finlay was charged with Failure to Provide Care for a Living Animal or Creature.
On June 5, 2023, authorities received the final veterinary reports which determined that 68 cats had suffered serious bodily injury or had to be euthanized, all as a result of Finlay’s failure to provide necessary care for the animals, officials said.
Based on the reports, Finlay was charged with Animal Cruelty and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On June 14, 2023, Finlay surrendered himself to Brick Township Police Headquarters.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Becker who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Health Department, and Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
