Dozens of birds were confiscated and two people are in custody after officials investigated a suspected cockfighting ring in Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania SPCA executed a search warrant Tuesday at a home on the 2800 block of North Lee Street. Officials say the PSPCA officers were investigating an unrelated case when they spotted several birds dressed for fighting in the yard of the home. They also found fighting paraphernalia and evidence of more birds inside the property, according to investigators.

Officials say 36 roosters and hens were confiscated and transported to the PSPCA’s Erie Avenue headquarters where they were evaluated by the forensic veterinary team.

“Cockfighting is a brutal crime in which all animals involved suffer severe physical trauma,” said George Bengal, Director of Humane Law Enforcement. “We want to remind the public that animal fighting is a felony and cannot be tolerated.”

Two people, who have not yet been identified, were taken into custody in connection to the cockfighting ring. The charges against them are pending.

If you have any information on the case, please call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA.

