Police in Newark announced the arrest of two men and seized forty-five roosters during an illegal cock fighting event in the city’s North Ward.
According to police, at around 10:00 p.m. Officer's patrolling in the North Ward received an anonymous tip that there were individuals fighting roosters at the El Cacique Social Club located at the 800 block of North 6th Street.
Authorities said officers entered the social club where they witnessed a large crowd watching and participating in a cockfighting event.
With the assistance of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSCPA), officers recovered 45 roosters including 5 which had succumbed to their injuries authorities said.
Public Safety Director Ambrose encourages residents to report crimes and partner with the police. Ambrose said, "I will ensure the police division is relentless keeping these types of locations closed. Most of these locations are the catalyst for other criminal activity taking place or will take place."
The business owner, Noralberto Orengo, 53 of Newark and business manager, William Aviles, 53 of Newark were both charged with Management of receiving money for admission of a person to a place kept for the purpose of fighting a living animal authorities said.
All state charges fall under the fighting or baiting animals or creatures and related offenses authorities said.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information to any crime to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.