Major Crackdown on Cumberland County Dogfighting Ring: Over 100 Dogs Rescued

In a Significant Operation, New Jersey Authorities Arrest Eight in Connection with a Cruel Dogfighting Network

In a resounding response to illegal dogfighting, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police, announced the arrest of eight individuals linked to a dogfighting network centered in Cumberland County. 

The arrests, made following the execution of search warrants at a Cumberland County compound and two other locations on April 3, 2024, also heralded the rescue of over 100 dogs subjected to brutal conditions.

The searches, part of a thorough investigation involving state, and federal agencies, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, unveiled a chilling scene of animal cruelty. The dogs, bred and trained for fighting, were found in dire need of medical attention, a need promptly addressed by the Humane Society of the United States' veterinarians present on-site.

At the heart of the criminal charges is Bruce “Hollywood” Low, Jr., a 44-year-old man from Milmay, Atlantic County, alleged to have led this cruel enterprise. Alongside Low, several family members and associates face various charges relating to the dogfighting operation. The accusations extend to two businesses, Royal Bull Kennels, and the Kisdir Group, purportedly intertwined with the dogfighting ring and accused of laundering its proceeds.

Attorney General Platkin condemned the operation as a manifestation of "callous, brutal, and cruel" exploitation of animals, underscoring the extensive suffering imposed on the dogs. The collaborative effort by law enforcement aims not only to rescue the affected animals but also to dismantle the underlying culture of cruelty.

“What’s striking is the level of suffering involved in dogfighting contrasted with how sweet and eager for affection these dogs are,” said Janette Reever, animal crimes investigations program manager for the Humane Society of the United States. “Though they were shivering in the cold rain, these dogs still left their meager shelters to greet us. We are grateful to the New Jersey State Police for their hard work and dedication to put a stop to this cycle of suffering.”

Bruce Low, Jr. faces a slew of charges including racketeering, money laundering, and leading a dogfighting network, among others. The legal actions stretch across several members of Low's family and other alleged co-conspirators, all united under the dark banner of racketeering, with additional charges varying among the defendants.

The charges against these individuals are part of a broader legal response to a grievous situation, emphasizing the commitment of New Jersey's legal and law enforcement agencies to combat animal cruelty and uphold justice. As the case progresses, the community watches, hopeful for a resolution that reaffirms the value of compassion over cruelty.