NJ: Operators, spectators of Asbury Park dog-fighting ring soug

Operators, spectators of Asbury Park dog-fighting ring sought
11:58 AM, Nov 20, 2012

ASBURY PARK — Authorities are searching for numerous suspects they say coordinated and watched eight pit bulls fight and seriously injure each other in a ring earlier this week in the city.

The investigation is ongoing and so the names of the suspects will not be released until they are caught. At least one of them has been convicted of animal cruelty numerous times in the past, said Chief Buddy Amato, of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

All of the dogs needed immediate veterinary care for their injuries and were transported to MCSPCA for treatment and evaluations. Two to three of the pit bulls had injuries so severe they had to be taken to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, Amato said.

Officers from the MCSPCA responded to a call from the Asbury Park Police Department about suspected dog fighting at 543 Prospect Ave. around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Amato said.

Officers from both the police and the MCSPCA arrived at the house to find the eight pit bulls had already fought and the suspects had fled. However, they left behind five cars and their personal belongings, including wallets, licenses and gym memberships which have helped the MCSPCA identify the suspects, Amato said.

Authorities seized all of the evidence and paraphernalia at the scene, including a blood-stained ring and the vehicles left behind, Amato said.

The multiple suspects will each face numerous charges. Each charge will carry up to six months imprisonment. All of the information will be forwarded to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Amato said.


Authorities discovered a blood-stained ring in which eight pit bulls had seriously injured each other during a fight Sunday evening. / Photo courtesy of MCSPCA

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