In a shocking discovery, law enforcement and animal welfare officials in Bucks County uncovered a large-scale cockfighting operation, leading to the rescue of 49 animals from a two-car garage in Doylestown. The incident came to light following an anonymous tip, underscoring the importance of community involvement in combating such illicit activities.

Operation Details and Arrest

Responding to the tip, authorities found approximately 25 individuals gathered around a fighting pit, witnessing a cruel match between two roosters. Among them was Cesar Cordova-Morales, 21, who was swiftly arrested after being found in possession of a satchel containing various tools and substances associated with cockfighting, such as steroids, spurs, and cutting instruments. Cordova-Morales is currently detained at a Bucks County jail on a $50,000 bail. While he was the sole individual arrested during the operation, investigations are ongoing, with the expectation of further arrests related to the illicit ring.

Animal Welfare Concerns

The rescue operation revealed the grim conditions in which the animals were kept. Over 40 roosters, hens, and pullets were found confined in cages and small boxes within the garage, with an additional two roosters discovered inside a parked car on the property. Tragically, authorities uncovered the remains of four roosters in a barrel behind the garage, indicating the brutality of past fights. Many of the rescued animals exhibited signs of injury and deep puncture wounds, indicative of their participation in previous fights.

Investigators also recovered razor-sharp metal blades intended to be affixed to the roosters’ legs, designed to maximize harm to their opponents during matches. Such findings underscore the cruelty and barbarity inherent in cockfighting practices.

Responses and Efforts

Reacting to the distressing revelation, Linda Reider, executive director of the Bucks County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA), condemned the heinous nature of cockfighting, vowing to tirelessly pursue justice for the animals involved while providing them with the necessary care and rehabilitation.

Similarly, Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, denounced cockfighting as a “barbaric and sickening spectator sport,” highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to eradicate such practices. The organization anticipates additional arrests linked to the busted cockfighting ring, signaling a broader crackdown on this form of animal cruelty.

Combating Animal Cruelty Requires Vigilance and Action

The uncovering of the cockfighting ring in Bucks County serves as a stark reminder of the persistence of animal cruelty within communities. It underscores the vital role of law enforcement, animal welfare organizations, and vigilant citizens in identifying and combating such illicit activities.

Moving forward, it is imperative for authorities to continue their efforts to root out and prosecute individuals involved in animal fighting rings, while also prioritizing the welfare and rehabilitation of the rescued animals. By fostering a culture of compassion and accountability, communities can work together to ensure the protection and well-being of all living creatures.

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