NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Eight people have been arrested and charged in connection to what officials are calling the largest dog fighting ring in New Jersey history.
More than 100 dogs that had been trained and bred to fight were rescued from a compound in Cumberland County during a downpour Wednesday.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin says the dogs were strapped to an ATV and forced to run up to 14 miles per hour for extended periods.
“All of this was done so that these dogs would be prepared to fight to their deaths,” he said. “What other hell these dogs endured, I honestly don’t even dare to imagine.”
Authorities say 44-year-old Bruce Low Jr. of Atlantic County is the ring leader.
His charges include animal cruelty, racketeering and money laundering.
Some of Low’s family members are among the seven alleged co-conspirators police arrested and charged. Two limited liability companies were also charged — Royal Bull Kennels, a dog-breeding business, and Kisdir Group, a construction company that allegedly laundered the proceeds of criminal activity, according to the Attorney General’s office.
As for the dogs, Humane Society vice president of Animal Rescue Adam Parascandola says they’ve been moved to a secure location.
“They are in a warm place. They all have comfortable bedding. They’re getting toys, they’re getting enrichment, and it’s very rewarding to see them start to come out of their shell,” Parascandola said.