Cops charge 'ringleader' of brutal illegal dog-fighting gang after finding 120 ... trends now
The alleged ringleader of an illegal dog-fighting gang has been arrested after more than 120 'tortured and abused' dogs were rescued from a compound in New Jersey.
The dogs, which were kept in barren pens and cages on a Cumberland County compound, were discovered during a raid in the early morning of April 3.
Many had untreated wounds, including one dog that was missing a leg, and appeared emaciated, according to the Humane Society of the US, which aided in the rescue. Investigators also found two dogs that had been left dead in a fighting pit.
Bruce 'Hollywood' Low, Jr., 44, the suspected ringleader, was arrested and later charged with second-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree money laundering, cruelty to animals, dog fighting for gambling on the outcome, falsifying records and six other charges.
Seven others - including members of Low's family - have been arrested and charged with second-degree racketeering. Some were also charged with money laundering and a series of dogfighting charges, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said.
In addition to the compound, authorities raided two other properties linked to Low's 'barbaric' operation which was believed to be operating on an international scale.
Bruce 'Hollywood' Low, Jr., 44, (pictured) is suspected of leading an illegal dog-fighting gang operating at a compound in Cumberland County, New Jersey. He was arrested following a raid and later charged with second-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree money laundering, cruelty to animals, dog fighting for gambling on the outcome, falsifying records and six other charges
During the raid on April 3, (pictured) officials rescued more than 120 dogs that had been kept in barren pens and cages. Many had untreated wounds and appeared emaciated
Some dogs were found living in cages (pictured) throughout multiple buildings, while others were found shivering in rain in outdoor pens or on 'heavy chains'
A mother dog who was rescued during the raid is seen receiving treatment from a Humane Society team member. The dog, who rescuers have since named Joan Jett, was found stuck in a cold, bare kennel and standing protectively over her puppies while they nursed
Many dogs found on the compound were suffering from untreated injuries and had significant scarring from dogfights. Pictured is one of the injured dogs that was rescued in the raid
The New Jersey State Police partnered with the Humane Society of the US to execute the search warrant at the compound earlier this month.
When they arrived at the property, officials found many dogs were suffering from untreated injuries and had significant scarring from dogfights.
Some were found living in barren pens and cages throughout multiple buildings, while others were found shivering in rain in outdoor pens or on 'heavy chains'.
Rescuers say that despite having been severely abused, most dogs 'eagerly greeted responders with wagging tails and kisses'. Though some were hunched over and peered reluctantly at the team.
The team worked late into the evening, battling cold and rainy conditions, as they conducted medical examinations and provided care for each dog before removing them from the properties.
'What's striking is the level of suffering involved in dogfighting contrasted with how sweet and eager for affection these dogs are,' Janette Reever, animal crimes investigations program manager for the animal charity, said in a press release.
'Though they were shivering in the cold rain, these dogs still left their meager shelters to greet us.'
Low's mother and alleged business partner Terri A. Low, 67, (left) and his son Bryce J. Low, 20, (right) have been charged in connection to the case
Pictured: Dog breeder William McClinton, 68, (left) and dog trainer Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58, (right)
Pictured: Dog trainer/handler Travis J. Garron, 38, (left) and Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, (right), son-in-law of Low, Jr. and alleged kennel partner in training
Low ran the operation under Royal Bull Kennels, a dog-breeding company, and
