Police uncover apparent dog-fighting ring
Four pit bulls found; suspects flee from scene at Prospect Avenue dwelling
Police responded to a call about possible dog fighting last night at 8 p.m.
The department received the call and sent officers to a house at 543 Prospect Ave., near Monroe Avenue and Church Street, Police Chief Mark Kinmon said.
Police found five cars in the house’s driveway, four of which had a crate with a dog inside, Kinmon said. All four dogs were pit bulls.
In the basement of the dwelling, police found what appeared to be a fighting ring made of plywood, Kinmon said.
Several people fled the scene upon the officers’ arrival, but Steven Spencer, 37, of Asbury Park, was arrested for trespassing when he was found on the grounds of the house, Kinmon said.
The police department has contacted the ASPCA [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]. The police are working to determine the ownership of the house, as well as whether it is a habitable, legitimate residence.
While it isn’t common, the police find instances of dog fighting in the city “from time to time,” Kinmon said. The chief could not remember the last time something like this occurred.
