Chopper 6 was over the scene on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street as officials with ACCT Philly and Pennsylvania PSPCA were executing a search warrant around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Inside a home on the block, authorities say there were obvious signs of cockfighting. Investigators found 35 roosters and 10 hens.
ACCT Philly says 19 roosters were trained and altered for fighting and will be humanely euthanized.
The hens will be taken to Last Chance Rescue in Quakertown and officials are looking for homes for the remaining healthy roosters.
This discovery began while police seized drugs and guns from the residence. The avian hostages were an unexpected part of the investigation.
Neighbors say they observed a law enforcement presence and a flurry of activity on their street all day.
"A lot of people, a lot of noise, real active," said one resident.
ACCT Philly is asking any organization that can help place or care for the remaining birds to contact them at lifesaving@acctphilly.org.