Cockfighting bust: 25 arrested, more than 50 birds rescued in Chester, Delaware County

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities say a veterinary team is helping document evidence after a police raid uncovered an alleged cockfighting operation inside a Chester, Pennsylvania, warehouse.

State and local police, along with the SPCA, executed the raid Saturday at a building on the 500 block of Franklin Street, where investigators say they interrupted a cockfight already in progress.

Inside, officials found equipment and conditions consistent with organized animal fighting.

"We found a fighting ring. We found a timer. We found a weigh station," said Nicole Wilson, director of animal law enforcement for the SPCA. "There was food set up, drinks set up."

Wilson said the operation appeared to involve about 25 people, some traveling from as far as New York. Investigators reported finding 52 live chickens and three others that had already died from fighting.

Officials also observed signs commonly associated with cockfighting, including birds that had been shaved to make injuries more visible during fights. Some chickens still had tape on their legs, where sharp implements are often attached.

"This is a slow, painful process for these birds. And no animal, no living creature deserves to die that way," Wilson said.

In addition to the animals, authorities confiscated thousands of dollars and a firearm. Investigators also said a person brought two young children to the event.

"I just showed my kids 'Jurassic Park' for the first time. I can't believe that other people are bringing children to an event where literally things will be killed violently," said Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse.

Rouse said his office is pursuing charges in the case. He noted that animal fighting is a felony offense, and individuals who attend or place wagers can also face charges.

"It's not right. And there are people out there who know that," Rouse said.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to process evidence collected during the raid.

Anyone with information about this case, or other cases of animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA's Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA, or cruelty@pspca.org. Tips can be left anonymously.