Dozens Of Birds Confiscated In Philly

The Pennsylvania SPCA seized approximately 40 roosters Monday afternoon from an alleged fighting ring located at 2944 North Marshall Street in North Philadelphia.

The man who owned them is under arrest, facing animal fighting and related charges.

Police said those birds were raised to fight. However, the man under arrest says he was raising them for a different reason.

Fox 29's Joyce Evans spoke to him Monday.

The Philadelphia Fire Department alerted the PSPCA to the situation Sunday. Earlier that evening, the Engine 50 Fire House responded to a fire in a garage located on that lot. They had observed more than two dozen roosters in the garage; some were roaming freely, while others were contained.

Director of SPCA law enforcement George Bengal says the birds are made for fighting, adding, "They cut the cones and waddles off these birds and shave the birds down, the breast feathers."

In addition to the roosters, agents found a fighting ring and fighting paraphernalia.

Owner Jose Rivera, 62, tells Fox 29 they were being bred to eat.

"I was cooking. I make a soup from them," Rivera said.

Neighbors told Fox 29 they never noticed cockfighting taking place at the location.

The birds have been transported to the PSPCA, where they will be held in protective custody.