Jose Madera, Atlantic County Justice Faciltiy
A Galloway Township man who allegedly turned his home into an elaborate cockfighting operation pleaded guilty this week.
He also pleaded guilty to several counts of animal cruelty including the maiming and mutilation of roosters.
Madera also failed to provide necessary care for one of the four dogs seized during the raid, according to his admissions.
The dog required emergency surgery while in the care of the state for a condition that pre-existed his seizure from the residence, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
Madera also pleaded to possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intention to distribute and resisting arrest by flight.
He fled the residence during the raid, and was found in the woods.
Madera faces 364 days in the Atlantic County Justice Facility. The state is also requesting five years' probation.
He must permanently surrender the relocated animals and may not acquire any new animals or live with any animals. He also must complete 30 days of community service, preferably at an animal shelter or rescue, forfeit all money and property seized and pay restitution.
About 50 roosters in various degrees of health were seized during the raid by the Galloway Township Police Department's Humane Law Enforcement Officer Unit.
Police arrested 51 individuals and seized more than $37,000 in cash.
Madera is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 29.
He was released from jail in June to care for his sick child. He had been jailed about three months.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office thanked the Galloway Township Police Department as well
as all agencies who assisted in this investigation and the execution of the search warrant.
"We also encourage citizens who see or become aware of acts of animal cruelty and/or neglect to contact their local police department to report their observations," the office said in a release.
