Man Admits To Running Cockfighting Ring In Galloway

GALLOWAY, NJ — An Egg Harbor City man admitted to organizing and operating an elaborate cockfighting ring on property he owned in Galloway, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced in a release.

Jose Madera, 33, also pleaded guilty to several counts of animal cruelty charging the maiming and mutilation of the roosters, animal cruelty through the use of another living animal, and animal cruelty by failing to provide necessary care for one of four dogs seized from his residence during the execution of a search warrant issued in the investigation of the rooster fighting.

That dog needed emergency surgery while being cared for by the state for a condition he had before he was rescued from the property, authorities said.

Madera also pleaded to possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intention to distribute and resisting arrest by flight.

Police executed a search warrant on a home on the 300 block of S. Bremen Avenue on March 9 during an investigation into a large cockfighting ring, authorities previously said.

A large group of people tried to run away when officers arrived, police said. Numerous subjects were detained as police searched the property.

Officers uncovered an "elaborate cockfighting operation," police said, including a constructed cockfighting ring, spectator style seating and numerous cockfighting "kits." About 50 roosters in varying degrees of health were found in crates, storage boxes and bags in and around the arena, police said.

As a result, 51 people were charged and more than $37,000 in cash was seized, police said. After consulting with the NJ Department of Agriculture, the roosters were rescued and relocated. Four dogs, three of which were living in "inhumane conditions" in an outdoor shed, were also rescued and taken to animal control, police said.

Madera was taken into custody after fleeing into the woods, officials said.

His guilty plea calls for probation (the State is requesting five years of probation) conditioned upon 364 days in the Atlantic County Justice Facility; permanent surrender of the relocated animals; the defendant may not acquire any new animals or be co-domiciled with any animals; 30 days community service, preferably at an animal shelter or rescue; forfeiture of all money/property seized; and restitution.