MAURICE RIVER TWP., N.J. — More than 120 dogs were rescued and eight people were charged in connection to a suspected dogfighting network that operated throughout multiple properties in southern New Jersey, authorities said.

Law enforcement officials executed search and seizure warrants on Wednesday in Cumberland and Atlantic counties related to an alleged dogfighting operation in Cumberland County, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Friday. Over 120 dogs that had been bred and trained to fight were rescued from multiple properties, according to Platkin.

"Profiting from dogfighting is callous, brutal, and cruel," Platkin said in a statement Friday. "These animals are born into lives of abuse, suffering, and violence, culminating with hours-long fights and frequently these dogs’ slow and painful deaths. The alleged illegal activities that were uncovered by this investigation will not go unpunished."

During a news conference Friday, Platkin described the search and rescue operation as the state's largest bust of a dogfighting ring. Eight people were arrested and charged following an "intensive investigation" by the Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a news release from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office said an Atlantic County man, Bruce Low Jr., 44, of Milmay, is accused of leading the dogfighting network. He faces a dozen charges including racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering, and cruelty to animals.

Several of Low’s family members, other alleged co-conspirators, and two limited liability companies were also charged in connection to the dogfighting network, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

78 dogs rescued:Dog fighting operation with treadmills, steroids uncovered in Alabama

Platkin: Dog-fighting raid a 'heart-wrenching task'

The rescue operation last week resulted from an investigation of more than two years, State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan said during the news conference. New Jersey State Police arrived at the scene before dawn on Wednesday to secure the area for a team of animal care specialists, who examined the dogs and relocated them to safety, according to Platkin.

"This formidable and heart-wrenching task unfolded throughout the day in pouring rain," Platkin said. "And we cannot thank the individuals involved in this operation enough. They’re true heroes."

Dogs and puppies were discovered throughout multiple buildings living in "barren pens and cages," the Humane Society of the United States said in a news release Friday. Others were also found in the rain in outdoor pens or on heavy chains.

Some dogs were observed with significant scarring and untreated wounds, according to the Humane Society. Several dogs were also emaciated, including pregnant and nursing mothers.

“We know that on multiple instances dogs were strapped to an ATV and forced to run at speeds as high as 14 miles an hour, often for long periods of time," Platkin said at the news conference Friday. "In at least one instance, even exceeding an hour.”

But despite the harsh conditions, "many dogs eagerly greeted responders with wagging tails and kisses, while others hunched over and peered reluctantly at the responders," the Humane Society said.

"What’s striking is the level of suffering involved in dogfighting contrasted with how sweet and eager for affection these dogs are," Janette Reever, animal crimes investigations program manager for the Humane Society, said in a statement. "Though they were shivering in the cold rain, these dogs still left their meager shelters to greet us."

Companies also charged in dogfighting case

Two Cumberland County businesses, Royal Bull Kennels, and the Kisdir Group construction company, allegedly laundered the proceeds of criminal activity.

Royal Bull Kennels "was quite simply in the business of buying and selling fighting dogs for profit and taking substantial stud fees from other breeders to breed their dogs with RBK’s dogs," Platkin alleged.

Five Maurice River Township residents — Terri A. Low, 67; Bryce J. Low, 20; Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58; Mark Runkle, 42; and William McClinton, 68 — are charged with racketeering. Also accused of racketeering are Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, of Milmay; and Travis Garron, 38, of Port Elizabeth.

According to the state Attorney General's Office, Low is the alleged leader’s mother; Bryce Low is his son; Roosevelt Hart IV is his son-in-law. Some of those defendants also are charged with money laundering and dogfighting offenses.

Joe Smith is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times. Have a tip? Reach out at [email protected].