Cockfighting Ring Broken Up By Plumstead Police; Man Arrested

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — The Plumstead Township Police Department broke up an
active cockfight at a township property on Sunday afternoon and arrested a man on felony animal cruelty charges.

Police received an anonymous tip and arrived to find two roosters fighting in a ring built inside a two-car garage.

When police arrived, a crowd of about 25 people fled the scene except for Cesar Cordova-Morales who was detained by police.

Cordova-Morales was carrying a satchel containing several bottles of steroids, cutting instruments, string, artificial metal spurs, spur covers, and other items commonly used in cockfighting, authorities said.

He has been arraigned and is being held on $50,000 bail at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Police immediately notified the Bucks County SPCA, which responded to the scene.

The Bucks County SPCA responded to the scene to rescue the roosters that were still alive. (Bucks County SPCA)

“Our team arrived to find two bloodied roosters who were loose and injured from their recent fighting,” reported SPCA officials. “There were 44 additional roosters, hens, and pullets kept in cages and small boxes in and around the garage, and two more who were recovered from a locked
vehicle in the driveway. Sadly, four recently deceased roosters were found in a barrel behind the garage.”

The SPCA also reported that the caged animals had no food, inadequate shelter, and frozen water bowls.

“Many of the roosters had had their combs and wattles cut off, a common practice with birds used for fighting,” the SPCA reported. “Other roosters were found to have injuries and deep puncture wounds, likely the result of fighting.”

An investigation of the property turned up razor sharp metal blades (spurs) that are tied to the rooster’s legs to inflict maximum harm on their opponents, the SPCA reported.

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and is a third-degree felony offense in Pennsylvania. It is also a federal offense to transport animals across state lines for the purpose of fighting.

“Those who seek to profit off animal fighting – as well as those who gamble on or attend such activities – are guilty of felony level animal cruelty as well,” said the SPCA.

Charges are pending against the residents of the property and those who were in attendance.

“It is hard to believe that people can be so cruel as to raise and fight animals to the death for amusement and personal gain,” said BCSPCA executive director Linda Reider. “We will remain tireless in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice while we care for these injured
and abused animals.”

According to Reider, the team relocated all 49 animals to safety by early Sunday evening. “The shelter will continue to house and care for these birds throughout the duration of this ongoing investigation,” she said.

The Bucks County SPCA is asking for donations to the Animal Relief Fund to help care for the animals. To make a donation, click here.