ANIMALS
More Than 120 Dogs Rescued, 8 Arrested In Alleged Dogfighting Network In New Jersey
Meredith Lee/The Humane Society of the United States
More than 120 dogs were rescued and eight people and two companies were charged in connection with an alleged dogfighting network in New Jersey, authorities announced Friday.
Authorities from multiple agencies executed search warrants at three locations on April 3, leading to the rescue of more than 120 dogs that had been bred and trained to fight, according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office.
Many of the dogs are covered in scars and several were found suffering with untreated injuries consistant with dogfighting, the Humane Society of the United States said on social media.
Bruce “Hollywood” Low, Jr., 44, was arrested on a dozen charges including conspiracy, racketeering, money laundering a dogfighting counts. Several of Low’s family members and alleged co-conspirators were charged, as were two businesses: Royal Bull Kennels (RBK), a dog breeder, and the construction company Kisdir Group, which allegedly laundered the proceeds of dogfighting.
“Profiting from dogfighting is callous, brutal, and cruel,” New Jersey Attorney General Platkin said in a statement. “These animals are born into lives of abuse, suffering, and violence, culminating with hours-long fights and frequently these dogs slow and painful deaths.”
The investigation was conducted by the state’s Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Dismantling a dog fighting ring is not just about rescuing animals; its about dismantling a culture of cruelty and restoring compassion to our communities,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
“The barbaric practice of pitting animals against each other in a fight to the death has no place in this country,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Robinson of the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. “The outstanding work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who investigated this case and the prosecutors of the New Jersey Office of Attorney General made it possible to bring these individuals of a major animal fighting venture to justice.”
Veterinarians from the Humane Society of the United States responded to the scene to perform medical evaluations for the dogs. The organization is seeking donations to support continued veterinary care for the animals.
“Whats striking is the level of suffering involved in dogfighting contrasted with how sweet and eager for affection these dogs are,” said Janette Reever, animal crimes investigations program manager for the Humane Society of the United States. “Though they were shivering in the cold rain, these dogs still left their meager shelters to greet us. We are grateful to the New Jersey State Police for their hard work and dedication to put a stop to this cycle of suffering.”
Along with Low, eight other people are facing charges, including Terri A. Low, 67, Low Jr.’s mother and alleged business partner; Bryce J. Low, 20, Low Jr.’s son and dog handler; Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, son-in-law of Low Jr. and alleged kennel partner in training; Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58, dog trainer; Travis J. Garron, 38, dog trainer/hendler; Mark A. Runkle, 42, dog handler; and William McClinton, 68, dog breeder.
All of the defendants have been charged with racketeering (2nd degree), while certain defendants have additionally been charged with money laundering (2nd degree) and a series of dogfighting charges, including conspiracy to engage in dogfighting; possessing, keeping and/or training a dog for a fight; possessing dogfighting paraphernalia; buying, selling or breeding a dog for a fight; and possessing, keeping and/or training a dog for a fight, the Attorney General’s office said.
TMX contributed to this article.
