Cockfighting - six birds seized
Reading, PA (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009
County: Berks
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Reinaldo Toro Luciano
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
The Humane Society of Berks County (HSBC), the leader in animal welfare, announced that it assisted in the seizure of gamecocks from an illegal cocking fighting location, the second such seizure in Berks County in 30 days. Humane Society Police Officers responded to 328 Rose Street, Reading, following a request for assistance by a Pennsylvania State Police vice and narcotics unit. Troopers were conducting an unrelated investigation when the fighting birds and fighting paraphernalia were found on the scene.
After entering a makeshift room described as a "dimly lit dungeon" by HSBC Officer Dylan Heckart, a hen and six roosters, including one which had been dressed to fight and was being held in a sealed "keep cage", were found. All were seized along with various paraphernalia associated with illegal cockfighting such as supplements, injectable vitamins and antibiotics, and liquid adhesive, as well as tools used to groom the birds.
"The Humane Society of Berks County was pleased to be able to provide assistance to the State Police," said Karel Minor, HSBC executive director. "The Humane Society applauds the Troopers and the State Police for recognizing the seriousness of blood sports in Pennsylvania for acting swiftly to intercede."
The chickens were documented as evidence before being turned over to the Humane Society. The HSBC attempts to find adoptive homes for animals in cases like this, however, fighting roosters can rarely be saved due to their training for aggression. "It is truly sad that those who perpetrate these sadistic crimes also ensure that we are unable to save these animals even when we can save them from the fighting ring," said Officer Heckart.
Today's raid is the second in only a month. On March 10, following an anonymous tip to the HSBC, Humane Society Officers worked with Muhlenberg Police to raid a cockfighting ring in Muhlenberg Township. Felony charges have been filed in that case. Several of the hens seized were adopted and others remain awaiting homes. All the roosters seized had to be euthanized.
The Humane Society is uncertain if there is a sudden increase in cockfighting locally or if increased vigilance and press attention is resulting in great awareness and reporting. Either way, says Minor, "The Humane Society of Berks County and local and State Police will be here to enforce Pennsylvania's animal cruelty laws."
If anyone is aware of animal fighting or other forms of animal cruelty, please contact the Humane Society of Berks County at 610-921-2348 or anonymously report cruelty online at www.berkshumane.org.
Case Updates| The man accused of running a cockfighting ring in a garage in Reading has waived his preliminary hearing. Court officials also say some of the charges against Reinaldo Toro Luciano were dropped. He turned himself in to police last month, one day after police and animal officials raided this garage on Rose Street. | Source: WFMZ - May 8, 2009
Update posted on May 8, 2009 - 10:12PM |
| State Police have filed felony charges against a man accused of operating a cockfighting ring in Reading. Authorities say Reinaldo Toro Luciano turned himself in this afternoon. He's accused of training roosters and hens to fight in a garage on Rose Street. State Police and animal officials raided the place yesterday. | Source: WFMZ - April 9, 2009
Update posted on Apr 9, 2009 - 11:28PM |
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