NJ Man Arrested, Charged In Connection To Dog Fighting Conspiracy
MILLVILLE, N.J. (CBS) -- Officials have arrested and charged a man in connection to a dog-fighting conspiracy. Robert Elliott, 47, of Millville has been arrested and charged with possessing dogs for the purpose of dog fighting.
Authorities say Elliott possessed pit-bull type dogs for fighting ventures not only in New Jersey, but elsewhere.
It is a felony to fight dogs and the same is true for owning dogs with the intent for them to take part in fighting.
Police say Elliott lived at a home with Frank Nichols, who was charged on June 1 with offenses connected to dog fighting. Officials say the two lived together on a multi-acre property in Millville.
Authorities say that 13 live dogs were taken from the home and seven of them were on heavy chains in a wooded area behind the home. Two more dogs were kept with those dogs, but in pens and police say three more dogs were located in shipping crates in the basement. One dog was located in a crate in the home and appeared to be sick.
Officials say the dogs suffered from scars and other injuries and had not conditions that were not treated by a veterinarian.
Police say other evidence and equipment was found at the home pointing them in the direction of dog fighting.
Authorities say the charge of possessing an animal for fighting has a five-year maximum penalty.
