Cockfighting - 23 birds seized
Philadelphia, PA (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Sep 8, 2010
County: Philadelphia
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Philadelphia Police and SPCA officials raided, in their opinion, one of the most elaborate cockfighting rings they have seen in North Philadelphia's Hunting Park neighborhood.
In total, 23 roosters were confiscated by SPCA officials at a private home on the 2900 block of North 7th Street in what the culmination of a six month investigation.
"This was pretty elaborate. I haven't seen this in the 15 years or more that I've been doing this kind of work," said George Bengal of the Pennsylvania SPCA.
Investigators say that fights were taking place in the basement of the home with up to as many as 100 spectators at a time. Police discovered quarter-inch thick bulletproof glass over the windows of the residence believed to be in place specifically to keep law enforcement out.
"This was the top of the food chain, very extensive," said Bengal. "It was a very expensive set up."
Officials say the prized birds' were treated well and their only purpose was to fight and kill other birds. Inspection of the home revealed blood on the walls of the basement to support theories of the violent fights.
Police have taken one unidentified man into custody and he has not formally been charged, an accomplice is also sought by police. References |
