The Bucks County SPCA and Plumstead Township Police responded to an active cockfight at a Doylestown property on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Police received an anonymous tip and arrived to find two roosters fighting in a ring built inside a two-car garage. The 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. He has been arraigned and is being held on $50,000 bail at Bucks County Jail.
BCSPCA was quickly called to the scene by police. Our team arrived to find two bloodied roosters who were loose and injured from their recent fighting. There were 44 additional roosters, hens, and pullets kept in cages and small boxes in and around the garage, and 2 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 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. 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.
Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states. This kind of egregious animal cruelty is a third-degree felony offense in Pennsylvania. It is 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. Charges are pending against the residents of the property and those in attendance.
BCSPCA relocated all 49 animals to safety by early Sunday evening. Each one now has a safe individual space without threat of harm. There was quite a joyful ruckus in the barn when they each received fresh food and water. The shelter will continue to house and care for these birds throughout the duration of this ongoing investigation.
“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.”
The community can donate to BCSPCA’s Animal Relief Fund help provide for their care. Anyone with information about this case, or any possible case of cruelty and neglect in Bucks County, should report what they know at 844-SPCA-Tip (844-772-2847) or reportcruelty@buckscountyspca.org.
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