33 year old Jose Madera from Egg Harbor City entered a guilty plea to organizing and maintaining a cockfighting ring on his property in Galloway Township. He also pleaded guilty to several counts of animal cruelty.
On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Galloway Township Police Department HLEO (Humane Law
Enforcement Officer) Unit executed a search warrant on the 300 block of S. Bremen Avenue.
During the search, police located an elaborate cockfighting operation that included a constructed
cockfighting ring, spectator style seating, and numerous cockfighting “kits”. Approximately 50
roosters, all displaying various degrees of health, were located in crates, storage boxes, and bags
in and around the cockfighting arena. As a result of the search warrant execution, police arrested 51 individuals and seized over $37,000.00 in cash. Madera was the homeowner and arrested after fleeing into adjacent woods.