Dogfighting ring busted in Neptune Township
The SPCA is seeking donations to help a group of dogs used for bait in the alleged ring.
Neptune - On Saturday, February 3rd, Neptune Township police received an anonymous call for animals in distress on Embury Avenue. When Monmouth County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement arrived on the scene, they followed a concrete path with fresh blood to a backyard with a garage and heard several barking dogs inside the locked structure. The locks were removed and 6 dogs were inside, all in separate crates lined with woodchips and soiled with their excrement. The dogs had scabs and scarring, body injuries, and punctures to their ears and mouths leading investigators to believe that some of the dogs were being used as “bait dogs” in the alleged dog fighting ring.
With the help of the Monmouth County Forensic Unit, the SPCA collected syringes, IV bags, unknown medications including suspected animal steroids, two dog treadmills, and other paraphernalia. In total 8 dogs were seized (6 inside the garage, and 2 outside with heavy chains connected to dog houses). The occupants of the home were uncooperative, including one who was arrested on scene by the Neptune Township Police Department for disorderly behavior.
“Our Humane Law Enforcement Division, along with Neptune Police Department, and the Monmouth County Forensics unit worked late into the night to investigate this horrific scene and get the 8 dogs to safety,” said MCSPCA Executive 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 Prosecutors 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 Monmouth County SPCA is seeking donations to help support the medical care the dogs need. They are also requesting donations which can be made here: bit.ly/neptunefightring
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It is unfathomable how this is still going on. Who knows how many of these innocent dogs have been killed at the hands of the cruel individuals responsible? They are the real animals! So sad.