Cockfighting ring busted in Hunting Park

A suspected cockfighting ring was busted Thursday afternoon in Hunting Park while Philadelphia Police performed a narcotics raid Thursday.

While cops were serving warrants at two homes on Fairhill Street near Lycoming, they found at least 47 roosters and about 50 hens and chicks, a fighting ring and other cockfighting paraphernalia, said Wendy Marano, a Pennsylvania SPCA spokeswoman.

Police also found weapons, drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash, she said.

Humane Law Enforcement officers removed the birds from the houses, and were still on the scene around 8:45 p.m.

Police arrested a man on narcotics and animal cruelty charges, and Marano said a second suspect has been identified in connection with the ring.

Police were still gathering evidence on the suspect around 8:45 p.m., and had not yet arrested the person.

Authorities did not release the identities of the suspects Thursday night.