Humane officers seized over 100 birds, both living and dead, from a cockfight underway early Saturday in North Philadelphia, according to a news release.
The release from the Pennsylvania SPCA says its humane law enforcement team arrested 21 people at the incident in the 2100 block of East Ann Street in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood.
All of the birds seized, which included fighting roosters and hens, will be evaluated at the SPCA’s Erie Avenue headquarters, according to the release.. They’ll remain in the protective custody of the Pennsylvania SPCA until they are signed over by the offenders or adjudicated by the courts, the release says.
The SPCA’s was called in by the Philadelphia Police Department, the release says. Paraphernalia consistent with cockfighting was also recovered at the scene, the release says.
The SPCA filed felony charges of animal fighting and misdemeanor charges for possession of animal fighting paraphernalia.
“Animal fighting is a brutal crime, one in which the victims, whether they be dogs or in this case birds, fight to the death,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “These horrific practices continue to occur in Philadelphia and throughout the state. We hope that by shining a light on this case and bringing the offenders to justice, we can deter the commission of future crimes.”
Anyone with information about this case can call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s cruelty hotline at 866-601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter@RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.