Contact:
Martin Mersereau 757-622-7382   

Newark, N.J. --- This morning, PETA sent a plea to Acting Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow, urging her to vigorously prosecute Raphael Quezada of New York City. Quezada faces third-degree charges stemming from his alleged claim of 17 "fighting" roosters at Newark Liberty International Airport on October 27. The shipment of these animals was part of what authorities are reportedly calling a major supply route for the underground cockfighting industry. Cockfighting is a cruel blood sport in which sharp, metal spurs are attached to birds’ legs so that they can literally rip each other apart.

"Anyone capable of this kind of cruelty poses a serious risk, not just to animals, but to fellow human beings," says PETA Casework Division Manager Martin Mersereau. "Communities should be concerned when animal abusers are found in their midst. Research in psychology and criminology reveals a consistent pattern of cruelty to animals among perpetrators of violence toward humans." Mersereau also points out that cockfighting is almost invariably associated with drugs, weapons, and illegal gambling.

PETA is also sending its new anti-violence public service announcement hosted by actor Dennis Franz to TV stations serving the Newark area.

For more information about the link between cruelty to animals and violence aimed at humans, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

PETA’s letter to Acting Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow follows.

November 8, 2004

The Honorable Paula T. Dow
Acting Essex County Prosecutor
50 W. Market St.
Newark, NJ 07102

Dear Ms. Dow:

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the world’s largest animal rights organization, with more than 800,000 members and supporters dedicated to the protection of animals. This letter is in reference to a recent case that your office is handling, involving Raphael Quezada, 34, of New York City. Quezada faces third-degree charges stemming from his reported October 27 attempt to claim 17 "fighting" roosters at Newark Liberty International Airport. The birds were said to have been individually crated and delivered via a flight originating in Puerto Rico as part of an alleged "major supply route." The birds were believed to have been bred for fighting. According to news sources, the aggressive animals were euthanized within hours of their seizure.

Mental-health professionals and top law-enforcement officials consider all forms of cruelty to animals to be a red flag. The American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of animal abuse in analyzing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Experts agree that it is the severity of the behavior—not the species of the victim—that matters. Cockfighting is invariably linked to illegal gambling and the presence of illicit drugs and weapons. Raids on animal-fighting operations frequently bring with them the discovery of major drug networks and the seizure of large caches of firearms. Violent crimes are also commonly associated with blood sports. Needless to say, we are relieved to know that local authorities treat such crimes with the seriousness that they deserve.

On behalf of our thousands of members in New Jersey, we respectfully urge your office to prosecute Raphael Quezada to the fullest extent of the law. Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers—and this is especially true of animal fighters—we ask that, upon conviction and in addition to being incarcerated, Quezada be barred from all future contact with animals and that any animals who may remain in his charge be immediately seized. We also ask that he be required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling at his own expense—the safety of the community may depend on it.

Thank you for your diligence and for your time and consideration. I can be reached at 757-622-7382, if you have any questions or if our office can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Martin Mersereau, Casework Division Manager
Domestic Animal and Wildlife Rescue & Information Department