More than 50 roosters were recovered and 52 people were arrested Saturday when police broke up a large-scale cockfighting ring at a South Jersey home, authorities said.
The raid ended an ongoing investigation by Galloway Township police into the ring in the 300 block of South Bremen Avenue off the White Horse Pike, officials said.
Four dogs, three of which were housed in an outdoor shed in inhumane conditions, were also taken by local animal control officials, police said Monday.
The homeowner, Jose Madera, was arrested at the site Saturday and charged with numerous animal cruelty offenses, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, destruction of evidence and resisting arrest, police said. Investigators also recovered over $37,000 in cash during the raid.
Police allege the money was proceeds from illegal gambling on the fights, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Attorney information for Madera was not immediately available.
Madera allegedly housed the ring in a garage on his property, charging admission to spectators to watch and place bets on the fights, according to arrest records obtained Monday.
Police entered the property on Saturday and found a large gathering of people, authorities said. Many of the spectators began to flee, but police said they were able to detain several people.
Police found a cockfighting ring with seating for viewers. The roosters had various health issues and were found in crates, boxes and bags.
Cocaine was also discovered in a bathroom at the home, the affidavit states.
Madera was taken to Atlantic County jail following the raid.
The other 51 people arrested were from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Police did not release their charges.
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