Prosecutors from New Jersey announced the indictments of 48 people who are allegedly connected to an elaborate cockfighting ring in Atlantic County last year. The defendants were all from New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania.
According to authorities, Galloway Township detectives began investigating the operation upon finding digital invitations to one of the fights, which was scheduled for March 2024.
The invitations led investigators to an arena in Galloway where the vents were being held. Authorities searched the arena and found dozens of roosters suffering from injuries and mutilation.
According to the report, there were also four dogs kept in harsh conditions. One of the dogs was in severe condition and had to undergo life-saving surgery.
The illegal cockfighting arena was situated in the garage of a home on South Bremen Avenue. Detectives also seized cockfighting kits, cocaine, and USD 37,000 in cash that was believed to be the proceeds of gambling.
The grand jury’s indictment includes various charges such as animal cruelty, mutilation of animals, witnessing or paying admission to attend an event involving animal fighting, and gambling on animal fighting.
Prosecutors named Jose Madera, 33, as the organizer of the event. Madera pleaded guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty, resisting arrest by flight, and other charges in August 2024.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office is asking anyone with tips about the case or any other cases involving the fighting of animals.
