Largest Dog-Fighting Bust In NJ History Leads To 8 Arrests: AG

MAURICE RIVER, NJ — Eight people were charged and more than 100 dogs were rescued during the largest bust of a dog-fighting ring in state history, authorities said.

The dog-fighting occurred at a compound in Maurice River, Cumberland County, authorities said. The conspiracy operated through two businesses: Royal Bull Kennels, a dog-breeding enterprise, and Kisdir Group, a construction company used for laundering the dog-fighting proceeds, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

"While these businesses provided a front, Royal Bull Kennels was simply in the business of buying and selling fighting dogs," Platkin said Friday at a news conference.

Law enforcement searched the Cumberland County compound Wednesday as heavy rain poured down. Veterinarians from the Humane Society of the United States were also present to perform medical evaluations and provide care for the dogs.

The dogs are being temporarily housed in safe, undisclosed locations, authorities said.

The animals were "often tortured and abused to an unimaginable degree," according to Platkin.

"We know that on multiple instances, dogs were strapped to an ATV and forced to run at speeds as high as 14 mph — often for long periods of time, exceeding an hour in at least one instance," he said.

Bruce “Hollywood” Low, Jr., 44, of Milmay — accused of leading the conspiracy — faces 18 charges, including racketeering, money laundering, leading a dog-fighting network, promoting organized crime, dog-fighting, and animal cruelty.

Seven others, including Low's were also arrested, according to the state attorney general's office:

• Terri A. Low, 67, of Maurice River: Low's mother and alleged business partner
• Bryce J. Low, 20, of Maurice River: son of Low, Jr. and dog handler
• Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, of Milmay: son-in-law of Low, Jr. and alleged kennel partner in training
• Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58, of Maurice River: dog trainer
• Travis J. Garron, 38, of Port Elizabeth: dog trainer and handler
• Mark A. Runkle, 42, of Maurice River: dog handler
• William McClinton, 68, of Maurice River: dog breeder

All were charged with second-degree racketeering, while certain suspects face charges for second-degree money laundering and a series of dog-fighting offenses.

The involved businesses — both registered as limited liability companies — were also charged in the matter.

Along with the Maurice River compound, authorities also searched two other properties, including a home in Atlantic County.