Officials tell Action News, the home had been under surveillance for months after the PSPCA received a tip about cockfighting take place there on the weekends.
"It's a known cockfighting establishment, there's a ring inside the property, in the basement," George Bengal of the PSPCA said.
Animal Care and Control officers carried 25 birds out of the home and, 12 of the roosters are said to have been dressed for cockfighting.
Authorities report a man who lives at the house is under arrest and is being charged with felony animal fighting. His wife argues he's innocent.
"My husband was arrested and he's not the one responsible for it. We're trying to get eh person who is responsible to come forward," the suspect's wife said.
A family friend refused to identify himself, but defended the family arguing cockfighting is just part of their culture.
"In Puerto Rico, it's just like baseball in the mainland United States, that's all I got to say. I don't condone it, I'm just saying in Puerto Rico, it's just a regular sport," the friend said.
While it might be legal in Puerto Rico, in Pennsylvania it's a different story.
When they come to the US, they can't bring that activity here or they'll be arrested for it," Bengal said.
Three pit bulls were also removed from the home. Officials say they appeared to be used for breeding fighting dogs, but weren't fighting dogs themselves.
This bust was part of a longer, ongoing investigation into cockfighting in North Philadelphia.
