By: Yuritza Arroyo
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Thursday, January 26, Sigfredo Perez, 81, of Newtonville, and Queli Merlo, 49, of Hammonton, were both arrested and charged with third-degree Owning/Training Live Animals for the Purpose of Fighting offenses.
According to officials, these charges stemmed from an investigation of an anonymous tip given to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials say the tip led A.C.P.O.’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit and the New Jersey State Police to a home in Buena that was alleged to have been housing birds used for fighting.
A search of the property yielded dozens of roosters trained to fight and equipment used to train the roosters to fight.
According to Police, over 100 other birds lived in unsanitary conditions on the property.
Police say the birds are currently under quarantine in accordance with state law pending the outcome of disease testing.
Multiple dead birds in varying stages of decay were also found on the property.
According to authorities, detectives also seized two dogs, five rabbits, and several cats that were living in unsanitary conditions and need of medical treatment.
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.