Cops charge 'ringleader' of brutal illegal dog

Release time：2024-05-21 23:47:40 Source：Culture Connect news portal

The alleged ringleader of an illegal dog-fighting cartel 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 cartel 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 the construction company Kisdir Group, which authorities believe laundered the proceeds of his criminal activity, the AG's office said.

He and his co-conspirators would allegedly post about related sales and traded footage of dog fights on Facebook and in private messaging groups, according to court documents obtained by The New York Post.

The ring would also use code names, such as 'game dogs' or 'concerts', when describing their organized dog fights in a bid to go undetected by authorities.

Low was reportedly caught after corresponding with an undercover detective who pretended to be a potential customer interested in purchasing a dog.

The suspected ringleader allegedly told the agent that he held 61 'concerts' in 2023 alone, describing one incident in great detail, the court documents reportedly state.

Low ran the operation under Royal Bull Kennels, a dog-breeding company, and the construction company Kisdir Group, which authorities believe laundered the proceeds of his criminal activity. Pictured are veterinarians caring for a dog rescued from Low's operation

He and his co-conspirators would allegedly post about related sales and traded footage of dog fights on Facebook and in private messaging groups. Pictured is the Royal Bull Kennels website featuring an image of an apparently emaciated dog

Rescuers say that despite having been severely abused, most dogs 'eagerly greeted responders with wagging tails and kisses'. Pictured is a smiling dog that was rescued from the compound

A dog rescued from the compound is seen giving kisses to a veterinarian as rescuers provide necessary medical treatment following the raid

It is understood that dogs kept at the compound would be chained up from the age of eight weeks old and were usually only 'let out for breeding, conditioning or fighting', according to the affidavit. Pictured is a young puppy rescued from the dogfighting operation

The defendants are accused of operating a 'sophisticated organized crime enterprise that victimized a tragic number of dogs'. They were finally caught after a 'long-term collaborative investigation' by federal and state law enforcement officers, pictured during the property raid

His mother and alleged business partner Terri A. Low, 67; Low's son Bryce J. Low, 20; and his son-in-law, Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, were also charged in connection to the dog-fighting ring.

Other co-conspirators included Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58; Travis J. Garron, 38; Mark A. Runkle, 42; and William McClinton, 68, according to police. 

During the surveillance operation Dickenson, a 'world-renowned game dog trainer', was allegedly observed strapping dogs to an ATV and forcing them to run at speeds of as 'high as 14 miles an hour' along trails on the compound as he conditioned them for fights.

He allegedly chained dogs in the yard, had them living in barrels and kept some in kennels around his trailer on the compound, a police affidavit reportedly states. 

It is understood that dogs kept at the compound would be chained up from the age of eight weeks old and were usually only 'let out for breeding, conditioning or fighting', according to the affidavit.

The defendants are accused of operating a 'sophisticated organized crime enterprise that victimized a tragic number of dogs'. 

The New Jersey State Police partnered with the Humane Society of the US to execute the search warrant at the compound (pictured) earlier this month

An injured dog received medical treatment after being rescued from a dogfighting compound

Veterinary staff treat a open wounds on a dog rescued from the compound. Officials believe many of the dogs suffered their injuries during fights

A Humane Society worker smiles as a young puppy rescued during the raid of a New Jersey dogfighting compound takes a big yawn

They were finally caught after a 'long-term collaborative investigation' by federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Attorney General Platkin, announcing the charges against the group, said in a press release: '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 alleged illegal activities that were uncovered by this investigation will not go unpunished.'

'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,' echoed Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

'It represents a steadfast commitment against violence, showcasing the impact of justice and empathy.'

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