Police: Dog-Fighting Ring Uncovered At Paterson Home; 21 Dogs Rescued
PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A drug raid at a Paterson, N.J. home unexpectedly uncovered evidence of a large pit bull dog-fighting ring that apparently was being run out of the residence.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, of the 25 dogs that were found in the home on Van Blarcom Street, police said four were dead and stuffed in garbage bags.
Eighteen of the other pit bulls are just puppies that authorities said were living in the basement, jammed into crates. Three maimed adult pit bulls were also rescued from the home.
Paterson Animal Control Officer John Decando told the Bergen Record it was one of the largest dog fighting rings he's seen.
Police believe the dogs were being trained to fight. One room allegedly had blood-stained walls.
Police said they also found a handgun and about $12,000 worth of crack cocaine and marijuana.
Authorities also found steroids used for fighting dogs, along with needles and electronic collars to shock the dogs.
Two people are now facing a long list of charges. Their identities have not yet been released.
The dogs will be put up for adoption, police said.
Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)