BUENA, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- Officials arrested two men accused of running a rooster fighting operation out of a New Jersey home where other dead and neglected animals were found, authorities announced on Monday.
Sigfredo Perez, 81, and Queli Merlo, 49, were arrested Thursday and charged with third-degree owning and training live animals for the purpose of fighting.
State police raided a home in Buena that had allegedly been housing birds used for fighting after receiving an anonymous tip, officials said.
During the raid, authorities found "dozens" of roosters as well as equipment used to train the roosters to fight and over 100 other birds living in unsanitary conditions, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Dead birds "in varying stages of decay" were also found on the property. Detectives were able to rescued two dogs, five rabbits and several cats.
Both Perez and Merlo were released on a summons.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7666.
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