Sign: Massive Dogfighting Operation Busted And Over 100 Dogs Rescued

Published: April 25, 2024 at 08:40 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

 

Cumberland County, NJ – On April 3, one of the largest dogfighting operations in the nation was shut down at a Cumberland County compound. According to a press release from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, more than 100 dogs were rescued after a search warrant was executed at three locations.

The operation led to the arrests of eight people involved with the dogfighting ring – the man in charge of the operation is identified as Bruce “Hollywood” Low Jr., 44, of Milmay. The other people arrested in conjunction with the bust are:

• Terri A. Low, 67, of Maurice River, Low’s mother and alleged business partner
• Bryce J. Low, 20, of Maurice River, son of Low, Jr. and dog handler
• Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, of Milmay, son-in-law of Low, Jr. and alleged kennel partner in
  training
• Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58, of Maurice River, dog trainer
• Travis J. Garron, 38, of Port Elizabeth, dog trainer/handler
• Mark A. Runkle, 42, of Maurice River, dog handler
• William McClinton, 68, of Maurice River, dog breeder

Dogfighting operations are fraught with violent, illegal activities and this massive network was no exception, having all the expected characteristics of the vile blood sport, including money laundering, racketeering, and brutal dogfights.

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said:

“Dismantling a dog fighting ring is not just about rescuing animals; it’s about dismantling a
culture of cruelty and restoring compassion to our communities. It represents a steadfast
commitment against violence, showcasing the impact of justice and empathy.”

Attorney General Platkin said:

“Profiting from dogfighting is callous, brutal, and cruel. 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 people involved in this extensive operation were profiting from the pain and suffering of the dogs they exploited. The bodies of two dead dogs were discovered in a bloody fighting pit.  Dozens of maimed dogs with heavy scarring and extensive injuries were rescued. One dog still had open wounds and was missing a leg.

Without a doubt, the dogs who were forced to take part in this despicable blood sport suffered unimaginable horrors.  The images below, although not from this case, are what the reality of dogfighting looks like:

Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Robinson of the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) said, “The barbaric practice of pitting animals against each other in a fight to the death has no place in this country.”

According to the Attorney General’s release, Royal Bull Kennels (RBK), a dog-breeding business, and the construction company Kisdir Group, which allegedly laundered the proceeds of criminal activity, are also facing charges for involvement in the expansive ring.

Charges

Bruce Low, Jr., a career criminal previously convicted for gun and drug charges, is facing numerous charges, including:

Racketeering (2nd degree);
Conspiracy (2nd degree);
Money Laundering (2nd degree);
Misconduct by a Corporate Official (2nd degree);
Leader of a Dogfighting Network (2nd degree);
Promoting Organized Street Crime (2nd degree);
Dogfighting by possessing, keeping and/or training a dog for a fight (3rd degree);
Dogfighting for gambling on the outcome (3rd degree);
Possession of dogfighting paraphernalia (3rd degree);
Cruelty to Animals (4th degree);
Falsifying Records (4th degree); and
Identity Theft (4th degree).

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.

Target: Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben is prosecuting the case for DCJ, under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Erik Daab.

We the undersigned demand that Bruce Low, Jr., Terri A. Low, Bryce J. Low, Roosevelt Hart IV, Coy Glenn Dickenson, Travis J. Garron, Mark A. Runkle, and William McClinton face the maximum sentence for any and all charges stemming from the dogfighting operation. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for these individuals to face true consequences for their actions.  Dogfighting is a despicable activity that has no place in our society and these people must be held accountable for the harm and suffering they inflicted on the innocent dogs who were forced to partake in their “business.”

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: The rescued dogs were taken to an undisclosed location and are receiving veterinary treatment and care.

News:

New Jersey Dogfighting Press Release

Courier Post

New York Post

Update 6/13/2024: Animal Victory’s request for case numbers has been denied because the investigation is ongoing. We received, in part, the following response, “Your request for Investigation Report #A030202300004 is denied. The investigation concerning this matter is
still ongoing and has not been completed yet. Release of records at this time could reasonably be expected to cause articulable harm to the Division’s ongoing investigation. OPRA specifically excludes “records pertaining to an investigation in progress by any public agency if disclosure of such record or records shall be detrimental to the public interest.” N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3(a).”