Two Atlantic County men were arrested after an investigation into alleged cockfighting led to more than 100 birds and other animals living in unsanitary conditions, officials said.
An anonymous tip led investigators to a Buena home that was allegedly housing birds to be used for fighting, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday.
A search of the property found dozens of roosters trained to fight along with equipment used to train them, according to the charges.
More than 100 other birds were on the property, and are now quarantined pending the outcome of disease testing.
Detectives also seized two dogs, five rabbits and several cats living in unsanitary conditions and in need of medical treatment, Prosecutor Will Reynolds said.
Multiple dead birds in varying stages of decay were also found on the property, he said.
Sigfredo Perez, 81, of Newtonville, Buena Vista Tonwship, and Queli Merlo, 49, of Hammonton, were charged with third-degree owning/training live animals for the purpose of fighting offenses.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office initiated and led the investigation with assistance from the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Buena Borough Animal Control.
