A federal sting operation led to the arrest of Bruce Low Jr., the alleged ringleader of a dog fighting operation, exposing the brutality and illegal nature of this bloodsport that causes immense suffering to animals. Low, recognized as one of the top five breeders in the US, was arrested along with seven co-conspirators on a range of charges including racketeering, conspiracy, and cruelty to animals. A search of three properties in New Jersey revealed over 120 dogs, many with untreated injuries and scars, indicating severe abuse and neglect.
The dogs found on the properties linked to Low were in distress, with some having missing limbs, open wounds, and heavy scarring. The New Jersey Attorney General described the animals as being “tortured and abused” and expressed horror at the conditions they were subjected to. The Humane Society of the US Vice President highlighted the organized criminal nature of dog fighting networks and the international distribution of fighting dogs from the US to countries like Poland, Bulgaria, and South Africa.
Although dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, it continues to thrive underground, driven by gambling operations and individuals involved in breeding, training, and spectating. The rescue operation in New Jersey uncovered pregnant dogs, nursing dogs, and malnourished animals with various injuries, including fractures and broken bones. Some dogs were found chained from eight weeks old, preparing for a life of fighting and breeding with little care or attention given to their well-being.
Bruce Low Jr., operating under the name Royal Bull Kennels, engaged in dog fighting activities and attempted to conceal his operation by using coded terms on social media platforms. Despite claiming to adhere to the law on their website, charging documents revealed the involvement of multiple individuals in the illegal dog fighting enterprise. A combination of tip-offs and undercover investigations led to the largest seizure and takedown of a dog fighting ring in New Jersey’s history.
The lucrative nature of dog fighting was exposed, with breeders and spectators making sizable profits from betting on matches and selling dogs bred for fighting. Surveillance during the investigation captured the grueling conditioning regimen imposed on the dogs, including forced running at high speeds. Dogs rescued from the operation have been treated and placed in shelters for adoption, showing resilience and a desire for love and companionship despite their traumatic past.
The harsh realities of the dog fighting industry were laid bare through the arrest of Bruce Low Jr. and his associates, shedding light on the extensive suffering endured by animals for the sake of profit and entertainment. The criminal nature of these operations, combined with the international reach of the trade in fighting dogs, underscores the need for continued enforcement and awareness to eradicate this cruel and inhumane practice. Efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animals affected by such brutality highlight the resilience and capacity for love exhibited by these creatures, deserving of a second chance at a life free from harm and exploitation.
