Flock of trouble escapes block, finds new roost

Nineteen roosters and four hens seized during a state police raid this past weekend of an alleged cockfighting operation in southern Chester County are getting a new home.

Rich Britton, a spokesman for the Chester County SPCA, which had taken custody of the birds, said Stewart's Bird Farm in Montgomery County, a relocator and sanctuary for birds and other animals in Harleysville, had agreed to take the hens and roosters. Britton said a veterinarian who examined the birds said they were in good condition.

Four men are awaiting an April 6 preliminary hearing on animal-cruelty charges: Jesus Estrada-Diaz, 52, of Oxford; Jose Rogelio Medrano-Pantoya, 51, of Wilmington; and Jesus Juarez, 52, and Carlos Garcia, 30, both of Kennett Square. A 15-year-old boy, who was not identified because of his age, is being handled by juvenile authorities.    Kathleen Brady Shea