PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement Team, with the help of the Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit, Media Barracks, Chester City Police Department and Central Delaware County Tactical Response Team, makes 25 arrests
Philadelphia, PA (June 1, 2026) – The Pennsylvania SPCA's Animal Law Enforcement Team with Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit, Media Barracks, Chester City Police Department and Central Delaware County Tactical Response Team interrupted a cockfight in progress on the 500 block of Franklin Street in Chester, PA on Saturday, May 30, recovering 52 live chickens and 3 deceased roosters resulting in the arrest of 25 individuals.
On Thursday, the PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team received a tip that an active cockfight would take place at the location. PSPCA officers conducted surveillance of the property, observing numerous individuals coming and going from the location, including those carrying animal transport carriers.
Once it was confirmed that the property was hosting an active cockfight, PSPCA officers secured a search warrant and due to the number of individuals involved received backup assistance from Central Delaware County Tactical Response Team for its execution.
PSPCA Officers, PSP, Chester Police, and the Central Delaware County Tactical Response Team entered the location late Saturday evening, interrupting the fight in progress, recovering the animals, and apprehending 25 suspects.
A total of 52 live birds were taken into custody and transported to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters, where veterinary staff will examine them and provide any necessary medical care.
The birds will remain under PSPCA custody pending either their surrender or the adjudication of the court case.
Cockfighting is a felony under Pennsylvania law. The investigation remains open and ongoing.
"Cockfighting is one of the most brutal forms of animal cruelty; these birds are forced to fight to near death one cut at a time, suffering devastating injuries in the process,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Animal Law Enforcement and Shelter Operations at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “We are incredibly grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police, Chester City Police Department and the Central Delaware County Tactical Response Team unit for their swift and professional response. We will work to prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law."
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.
About the Pennsylvania SPCA
Established in 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia. The organization's mission focuses on preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect through comprehensive programs including low-cost veterinary services, spay and neuter programs, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For information about adoption, donation, or volunteer opportunities, contact (215) 426-6300 or visit www.pspca.org.
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