Pennsylvania SPCA executes search warrant on adjoining Kensington properties, rescues 43 birds involved in suspected cockfighting ring

Philadelphia, PA (October 8, 2019) – The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Team executed two search warrants at adjoining properties on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street in Kensington Tuesday, October 8, 2019 in reference to suspected animal fighting. 

 

The PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team was contacted by the Animal Care and Control Team Tuesday morning in regard to possible cockfighting birds on a property in Kensington. ACCT Philly had previously been called to the scene by the Philadelphia Police Department serving a warrant.  

 

In the properties officers found birds consistent with those being used and bred for fighting as well as paraphernalia. In total 43 birds were seized from the property and transported to the PSPCA’s Erie Avenue Headquarters where they will be evaluated by the PSPCA’s veterinary team. The birds will remain in the protective custody of the Pennsylvania SPCA until they are signed over by the offenders or adjudicated by the courts.

 

Animal fighting in the state of Pennsylvania carries a felony charge, and in addition, the PSPCA will implement the paraphernalia section of the cruelty code which makes it illegal to possess any device, implement, object or drug used or intended to be used for animal fighting, training animals to fight or the furtherance of those illegal activities. A bill passed in 2015 makes the mere possession of these items a misdemeanor crime.

 

“We cannot stand for animal fighting to take place in our city,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “Animal fighting is a brutal crime, one in which the victims so often suffer fatal injuries. Allowing animals to die for sport is simply an unacceptable practice that continues to occur every day in our city and throughout the state. We hope that by shining a light on this case and bringing the offenders to justice, we can deter the commission of future crimes.”

 

Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, should call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.

 

About the Pennsylvania SPCA

Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.