Dog-Fighting Ring Discovered In Neptune Township

NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, NJ — An anonymous tip led authorities to a dog-fighting ring Saturday in Neptune Township, according to the Monmouth County SPCA.

Police said they received a call about animals in distress on Embury Avenue. Monmouth County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement and Neptune officers arrived on the scene, following a concrete path with fresh blood to a backyard with a garage, authorities said.

Authorities found six barking dogs inside the locked garage, police said. The dogs were all in separate crates lined with woodchips and soiled with their excrement, police said.

The animals had scabs and scarring, body injuries and punctures to their ears and mouths — all signs the dogs were used in dog fighting, police said.

"We can only assume that some of the dogs were being used as 'bait dogs,'" said the Monmouth SPCA in a statement.

Police found more evidence on site of dogs being trained to fight. Officers found syringes, IV bags, medication suspected to be animal steroids and two dog treadmills, police said.

In total, eight dogs were seized, six inside the garage, and two outside with heavy chains connected to dog houses. The occupants of the home were not cooperative, including one who was arrested on scene by Neptune Township Police for disorderly behavior, police said.

"Our Humane Law Enforcement Division, along with Neptune Township Police Department, and the Monmouth County Forensics unit worked late into the night to investigate this horrific scene and get the eight dogs to safety," said Monmouth County SPCA director Ross Licitra. "All of the dogs are being cared for by our compassionate staff and can finally be free of fear and pain. With the power governed by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, we will be sure that the cruel offenders of this case will be charged to the highest extent of the law to reinforce that we do not tolerate animal cruelty in our community. We thank everyone who is able to contribute to the care of these dogs to get them healthy and rehabilitated for adoption."

The SCPA is seeking donations for medical care for the dogs; donate here: bit.ly/neptunefightring