There are new additions to the more than 120 dogs seized from an alleged dog-fighting operation in Millville.
One dog dubbed Janet Jackson gave birth to puppies, and all are currently in foster care, the Humane Society of the United States told BreakingAC.
She and her puppies eventually will be available for adoption through Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
The puppies are a fresh start for the dozens of dogs allegedly injured and abused as part of Royal Bull Kennels.
The business — run by Low Jr. — portrayed itself as a seller and breeder but instead was allegedly a leader in the illegal dog-fighting game, according to the charges.
The dogs were found as part of an investigation into what officials called “the largest dog-fighting ring ever busted in the state of New Jersey.”
“The dogs found on the property this week tell their own stories,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said during a news conference April 5, two days after a multi-agency initiative removed the dogs from three properties and arrested eight people.
One dog who had just given birth was severely underweight.
Dubbed Joan Jett, she was said to be "a really good mom,” despite her own health issues, according to Adam Parascandola, vice president of animal rescue for the Humane Society of the United States.
“It’s not unusual," he previously told BreakingAC. "It’s a very strong maternal instinct."
The case is continuing through the court system, with a motion made to have one of the defendants pay the medical bills for two dogs.
Roosevelt Hart III, 29 — who was identified as Low Jr.’s son-in-law and business partner — had two dogs seized from his Broad Street home in Millville, court documents show.
He is the only owner who has refused to relinquish his dogs, according to a motion filed by the state last month.
One is a 9-week-old black-and-white American pitbull terrier male who was underweight, had mild dehydration, long nails and tested positive for hookworms, according to an email from the Humane Society to the deputy attorney general in the case that accompanies the filing.
The other is a 1½-year-old red American pitbull terrier with white. He had a right ear infection, open laceration on the tip of his nose, and scarring on his face and legs, the email states.
The cost at the time of filing was set at $3,558.50, including $533.62 in initial costs.
Hart's billing will end when and if he turns over ownership.
The Humane Society has been asking for funds to help with care of the other dogs, whose ownership has been relinquished.
