Galloway Township Authorities /Prosecutor Office Arrest Arrest 51 People at Cock Fight
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
UPDATE: –Another individual suspected to be involved with the cockfighting ring was arrested on Tuesday, March 19, 2024; Jose Madera, 33, from Egg Harbor City, was detained pending trial by a Superior Court Judge on numerous animal cruelty offenses, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, destruction of evidence and resisting arrest.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ --On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Galloway Township Police Department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on S. Bremen Avenue in the Township pursuant to an ongoing investigation involving illicit and cruel cockfighting. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic County SWAT Team, the Egg Harbor City Police Department, the Hamilton Township Police Department, and Galloway Township Emergency Medical Services assisted in the cooperative effort.
Upon entering the property, police encountered many individuals, many of whom attempted to flee. Numerous suspects were detained and police conducted a search of the property. 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 and injury were located in crates, storage boxes, and bags in and around the cockfighting arena. As a result of the execution of the search warrant, police arrested 51 individuals and seized over $37,000.00 in cash. After consultation with the N.J. Department of Agriculture, the roosters recovered during the search were relocated. Additionally, four dogs were also removed.
Three of the dogs were found to be living in deplorable, inhumane conditions in an outdoor shed. The homeowner, Jose Madera, was arrested on scene and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, destruction of evidence and resisting arrest. He is currently lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a later court date.
In addition to Madera, 50 individuals were also identified as participants in the cockfighting operation and criminally charged.
Galloway Township Police Department cited Jonathan Palfy of Palfy Livestock Farm for assistance rendered. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office acknowledges the cooperation and effort of all agencies in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty within our County.
Members of the public are reminded to report animal cruelty, whether in the form of abuse or neglect, to their local police department.
*** These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ***
Those with information regarding this or other serious crimes are encouraged to contact theAtlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or visit to the Prosecutor’s Office Websiteat www.acpo.org/tips and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submita Tip page.
People may also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.