Dozens of chickens rescued from alleged Pennsylvania cockfighting ring
Nearly 50 chickens were rescued from an alleged cockfighting ring in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Officers from the Plumstead Township Police Department and animal welfare workers responded to a tip at a garage in Doylestown on Sunday and found about 25 people watching two roosters fight.
Cesar Cordova-Morales, 21, was arrested for allegedly possessing steroids, spurs and cutting instruments — common cockfighting items. No other arrests were made, but the Bucks County SPCA said other arrests are pending.
“Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states. This kind of egregious animal cruelty is a third-degree felony offense in Pennsylvania,” the organization said. “It is a federal offense to transport animals across state lines for the purpose of fighting. Those who seek to profit off animal fighting — as well as those who gamble on or attend such activities — are guilty of felony level animal cruelty as well.”
Forty-four roosters and hens were being kept in cages and boxes in the garage. Two more were found in a car parked outside. Another four roosters were found dead in a nearby barrel.
Some of the birds had injuries that were likely from previous fights, authorities said.
“It is hard to believe that people can be so cruel as to raise and fight animals to the death for amusement and personal gain,” BCSPCA executive director Linda Reider said. “We will remain tireless in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice while we care for these injured and abused animals.”
Cordova-Morales is being held at a Bucks County jail on $50,000 bail.
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