Dogfighting Case: Over 100 Dogs Rescued and Eight Defendants Arrested

• Law Enforcement Operation:
• On April 3, 2024, search warrants were executed at a Cumberland County compound and two other locations related to a dogfighting network.
• The operation involved the Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Rescue of More Than 100 Dogs:
• Over 100 dogs bred and trained for fighting were rescued.
• Veterinarians from the Humane Society of the United States provided medical care.
• Criminal Charges Filed:
• Animal related charges including cruelty to animals, training a dog to fight, and gambling on the outcome of dogfighting.
• Other charges ranged from money laundering to identify theft.

New Jersey’s Strong Stance Against Dogfighting:

New Jersey has taken significant steps to combat dogfighting, recognizing it as a grave offense. Here’s how the state’s laws played a crucial role in this case:

1. Racketeering Statute Inclusion:
• Dogfighting is now an offense under New Jersey’s racketeering statute.
• The new law creates two specific crimes: “dog fighting” and “leader of a dog fighting network.”
• This inclusion allows law enforcement to target organized dogfighting networks effectively.
2. Third-Degree Crime:
• Under New Jersey law, dog fighting is considered a crime of the third degree.
• Offenders face up to five years in jail and fines of up to $15,000.
• The severity of these penalties sends a strong message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.
3. Seizure and Forfeiture:
• Convicted individuals may face the seizure and forfeiture of dogs or other animals used for fighting.
• Restitution orders ensure that costs for the animals’ care, including medical expenses, are reimbursed.
• The court may also prohibit offenders from having future possession of any animal3.
4. Culture of Compassion:
• Dismantling dogfighting rings goes beyond rescuing animals; it restores compassion to communities.
• By enforcing these laws, New Jersey aims to eradicate a culture of cruelty and promote empathy.

The collaborative efforts of state and federal law enforcement agencies have exposed a sophisticated criminal enterprise that victimized a tragic number of dogs. Attorney General Platkin’s commitment to justice and empathy underscores the state’s unwavering stance against violence and cruelty.

Sources:  Press Release - Office of the Attorney General, State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety, April 5, 2024.

First Kind Hand for Buster

Chapter 1: A Desperate Roadside Rescue

The sun dipped low over the Mississippi horizon, casting long shadows across the dirt road. It was there, amidst the parched grass and dust, that they found him—a frail, broken soul clinging to life. His name would become synonymous with hope: Buster.

The kind-hearted passersby scooped him up, their hearts heavy with the weight of his suffering. His once-glossy coat was matted and stained, and his eyes held a desperate plea. They rushed him to the local animal shelter, where the Director, a tireless advocate for the voiceless, took charge.

Chapter 2: The Battle Begins

The shelter staff named him Buster—a name that would soon echo through their sleepless nights. His body bore the scars of unimaginable cruelty: bite wounds crisscrossed his skin, and a jagged piece of his ear was forever lost. The truth emerged—the sweet-faced dog had been a pawn in a sinister game. Chained, starved, and forced to fight, Buster was a bait dog, a living sacrifice to train other dogs for brutality.

The Veterinarians worked tirelessly, stitching wounds, administering fluids, and whispering words of comfort. Buster’s eyes, once filled with fear, now held a glimmer of trust. Through the night, they stood vigil, their hands gentle, their resolve unyielding.

Chapter 3: A Second Chance

Morning dawned, and Buster’s fragile body clung to life. His spirit, though battered, burned bright. The staff rallied around him, their love a lifeline. And then, amidst the sterile walls of the shelter, something magical happened—a bond formed between Buster and one of his caregivers. She saw beyond the scars, into the depths of his soul. She vowed that Buster would know love, safety, and a life free from chains.

And so, Buster was adopted—the Director’s promise fulfilled. He left the shelter, not as a victim, but as a survivor. His new home was filled with soft beds, nutritious meals, and the warmth of a family who understood his pain. Buster’s journey from darkness to light became a beacon of hope.

Chapter 4: A Call to Action

But Buster’s story is not unique. For every Buster, countless others suffer silently. States must rise to the challenge, strengthening laws to punish those who perpetrate this cruelty. Dogfighting is not a distant menace—it thrives in shadows, fueled by greed and brutality. We, at Speak Up 4 Paws, take this mission seriously. We invite you to join us—to be the voice for the voiceless, to fight for justice, and to ensure that no dog faces Buster’s fate.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative—one where compassion triumphs over cruelty, and every dog finds their redemption.

Paws for Thought

Buster’s Tale and the Fight Against Dogfighting

By Bonnie Miller, Founder of Speak Up 4 Paws

Once the Director of that very animal shelter, I witnessed this atrocity firsthand.  I’ve seen both the darkest corners of human cruelty and the unwavering resilience of animals. 

Buster’s Desperate Road to Rescue

Today, I shared with you a story—a story that intertwines the horrors of a dogfighting ring with the redemption of one brave soul named Buster. His story was not unique; countless dogs suffer silently, their lives twisted by human cruelty.

As you read, Buster was a bait dog—a pawn in a sinister game. Chained, starved, and forced to fight, his spirit clung to life. But he learned to trust the human hand as we nursed him back to health, stitching wounds, providing comfort, and whispering promises of a better life.

The Largest Dogfighting Ring in New Jersey

Fast forward to New Jersey, where law enforcement uncovered what they called “the largest dog-fighting ring ever busted in the state.” Eight people were charged, including the alleged ringleader. 

The compound in Cumberland County housed over 120 dogs bred and trained for this brutal “sport.” These innocent animals endured unimaginable suffering, their lives reduced to violence and fear.

The Bond Between Dogs and People

Adam Parascandola, Vice President of Animal Rescue for the Humane Society of the United States, witnessed New Jersey rescue. He understood the bond between dogs and people—the unbreakable thread that connects us. Their resilience spoke volumes. 

Despite the viciousness they endured, many of the dogs wagged their tails, eager for love and trust. This is a bond we must honor—a bond that transcends cruelty.

Dogfighting: A Culture of Exploitation

Dogfighting exploits this bond. It turns loyalty into violence, trust into betrayal. Buster’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals, but not all dogs are as lucky. Some suffer silently, their pain hidden behind closed doors. 

As advocates, we must raise our voices against this cruelty.

New Jersey’s Stance Against Dogfighting

New Jersey’s laws have evolved to combat dogfighting. The inclusion of dogfighting in the racketeering statute, the penalties for cruelty, and the seizure and forfeiture of animals—all these steps send a clear message. We must continue to improve laws, punish offenders, and protect the voiceless.

Speak Up 4 Paws: Our Commitment

At Speak Up 4 Paws, we take this mission seriously. Having witnessed the atrocities firsthand, the stories of all the Busters fuel our resolve. 

We invite you to join us—to be the voice for the voiceless, to fight for justice, and to ensure that no dog faces Buster’s fate.

Conclusion: From Darkness to Light

Let us honor the bond between dogs and people, and let us fight relentlessly against cruelty. Buster’s journey—from darkness to light—reminds us that compassion triumphs over brutality. 

Together, we can rewrite the narrative—one where every dog finds their redemption. 

Join us at Speak Up 4 Paws to make a difference.