NEWARK—The nj dot com headline declares, 2 charged in massive cockfighting bust in Newark. Whoever wrote it has an…interesting…sense of humor. Additionally, this certainly reveals what was on the author’s mind. Interestingly, the news item indicates the content comes from a government issued press release. Furthermore, I wonder how much keyword research went into this headline. In any event, the owners of the social club probably are not laughing. After all, the authorities charged them with animal fighting crimes. Indeed, the cops and NJSPCA officials claim to have removed 45 roosters, including five dead ones, from the cockfighting event. Notably, the officers entered the club and witnessed a large crowd allegedly watching and participating in the cockfighting event, per the news.

Animal fighting crimes, N.J.S.A. 4:22-24

New Jersey law provides a person who shall:

1. Keep, use, be connected with or interested in the management of, or receive money for the admission of a person to, a place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting a living animal or creature;
2. Be present and witness, pay admission to, encourage or assist therein;
3. Permit or suffer a place owned or controlled by him to be so used;
4. For amusement or gain, cause, allow, or permit the fighting or baiting of a living animal or creature;
5. Own, possess, keep, train, promote, purchase, or knowingly sell a living animal or creature for the purpose of fighting or baiting that animal or creature; or
6. Gamble on the outcome of a fight involving a living animal or creature–

Shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree.

Bait means to attack with violence, to provoke, or to harass an animal with one or more animals for the purpose of training the animal for, or to cause an animal to engage in, a fight with or among other animals.

Warrantless arrest for fighting or baiting offenses, N.J.S.A. 4:22-47

Quoting the press release, the news item indicates officers entered the social club and witnessed a large crowd watching and participating in a cockfighting event.

New Jersey law provides in pertinent part:

A sheriff, undersheriff, constable, police officer, certified animal control officer who has been properly authorized…or humane law enforcement officer of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, may enter any building or place where there is an exhibition of the fighting or baiting of a living animal or creature, where preparations are being made for such an exhibition, or where a violation otherwise of R.S.4:22-24 is occurring, arrest without warrant all persons there present, and take possession of all living animals or creatures engaged in fighting or there found and all implements or appliances used or to be used in such exhibition.

New Jersey Lawyer Michael Smolensky, Esquire, knows how to protect his clients. Mr. Smolensky can provide consultations on all cases regarding animal cruelty. Call Now—(856) 812-0321.