Dozens Of Roosters Trained To Fight Taken From Atlantic County Home

BUENA, NJ — Two Atlantic County residents were charged with animal cruelty offenses after dozens of roosters trained to fight and more animals were discovered at a Buena home, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.

Sigfredo Perez, 81, of Newtownville, and Queli Merlo, 49, of Hammonton, were both charged with third-degree owning/training live animals for the purpose of fighting offenses, the Prosecutor's Office said.

An anonymous tip given to the Prosecutor's Office led ACPO's Humane Law Enforcement Unit and New Jersey State Police to a home in Buena said to house birds used for fighting, officials said.

A search of the property found "dozens of roosters" trained to fight, plus equipment used used to train the roosters to fight, officials said.

More than 100 other birds were found on the property in unsanitary conditions, officials said. These birds are currently under quarantine pending the outcome of disease testing.

Multiple dead birds "in varying stages of decay," were also discovered, officials said.

Additionally, two dogs, five rabbits and several cats living in unsanitary conditions and in need of medical treatment were taken from the property, according to officials.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office initiated and led the investigation with assistance from
the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Buena Borough
Animal Control.

Anyone with information about this incident or other crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County
Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at 609-909-7666 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Website
at https://www.acpo.org/tips and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the
Submit a Tip page.