Cockfighting - 100 birds seized - Philadelphia, PA

Thursday, Mar 1, 2012

County: Philadelphia

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Names Undisclosed

SPCA Law Enforcement officers have rescued nearly 100 birds from two locations in Hunting Park. 47 dressed fighting roosters and more than 50 hens and chicks were removed from the homes on the 4000 block of North Fairhill Street, Thursday night.

A suspected cockfighting operation was discovered by Philadelphia Police Thursday afternoon when they served a narcotics warrant at 4056 North Fairhill Street. Officers found numerous game birds used in cockfighting, a fighting ring and other paraphernalia, according to investigators.

Humane Law Enforcement officers were called to the scene where they say they discovered another suspected cockfighting operation at 4052 North Fairhill Street. Investigators say illegal weapons and suspected narcotics were also found.

The Pennsylvania SPCA is currently caring for 70 birds found inside one of the homes.

One person was arrested by Philadelphia Police on narcotics charges. Felony animal fighting and cruelty charges are pending.

Police say they uncovered the cockfighting operation after undergoing a massive drug sweep across the city on Thursday.

Police arrested around 100 alleged drug dealers, recovered 30 guns and confiscated a large number of narcotics during the drug busts.

"Total narcotics confiscated including cocaine, crack, heroin, marijuana, PCP, pills, oxycotin, $198,000 worth," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Cynthia Dorsey. "I feel that a lot of people in the neighborhoods are going to sleep safer and feel better as a result of this."

References

• nbcphiladelphia.com - Mar 2, 2012 abclocal.go.com - Mar 2, 2012 philadelphia.cbslocal.com - Mar 1, 2012

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