Shore area restaurant closed after police find animals loose in kitchen

A restaurant in Galloway Township, Atlantic County, has been closed after police found exotic birds and a cat loose in the kitchen and food preparation area, the Atlantic City Press reported.

An owner of AJ's Cafe  on Route 9 had said the cat and the birds were kept in cages outside the kitchen area, but township officials, responding to an open public records request from the Press, released photos showing the birds and the cat loose in the kitchen.

Police who went to the restaurant for an unrelated call discovered the animals on Friday and the restaurant was initially closed because it lacked a mercantile license.

Health inspectors were called and deemed the restaurant to be unsafe and unsanitary.

Officials say the restaurant can reopen after the place is sanitized and passes a health inspection. It also must obtain the township mercantile license.