NJ resident charged in animal sacrifices

Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:25 am (PDT)

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NJ resident charged in animal sacrifices

3/20/11

FREEHOLD - A borough resident was charged with eight counts of animal
cruelty after the remains of numerous animals, including chickens, guinea
hens and a slider turtle, were found in his yard last week, authorities
said.

Jorge Badillo, 47, of 100 Center St., admitted he killed the animals in a
Santeria sacrifice ritual, said Victor "Buddy'' Amato, chief of the Monmouth
County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Santeria is a
religion practiced in some parts of the Caribbean.

Amato said borough police Officer Thomas Duda and his K-9 partner, Rocky,
noticed the remains while responding to an unrelated call on Thursday. Duda
contacted the SPCA.

Duda and Amato went to the residence at 100 Center St. on Friday afternoon,
and received permission from Badillo to search the yard, Amato said. They
found numerous dead animals in various states of decomposition, as well as
some live animals ready for slaughter and several Santeria altars, he said.

Amato said Badillo admitted sacrificing the animals.

Each count of animal cruelty carries a possible six-month jail term and fine
of $1,000. The charges are to be heard in municipal court on April 19.