More than 200 animals rescued from South Jersey property; 2 facing charges

A tip led state police and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office to the property on January 26.

Roosters, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cats, and other birds were discovered living in deplorable conditions, authorities said. (6abc)

Roosters, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cats, and other birds were discovered living in deplorable conditions, authorities said. (6abc)

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

Funny Farm Rescue of Mays Landing and several other rescue organizations came to the aid of more than 200 animals this weekend.

Roosters, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cats, and other birds were discovered living in deplorable conditions in Newtonville, Buena Vista Township.

A tip led state police and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office to the property on January 26.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Authorities say evidence of cockfighting led to criminal charges against Queli Merlo and Sigfredo Perez for keeping/using a place for the purpose of fighting living animals, a third-degree crime.

On March 4, officials started the process of rehoming the animals.

Get daily updates from WHYY News!

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal