SPCA Breaks Up Alleged Cockfighting Ring In Central Islip; 2 Arrested
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two men have been arrested for allegedly running a cockfighting ring in Suffolk County.
Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross said a call tipped the agency off that a cockfight was going to happen at 7 Monsen St. in Central Islip Thursday morning.
Several county agencies as well as Suffolk County police responded to the address, where Gross said they discovered 17 fighting birds, fighting equipment and a fighting ring.
"It was a building -- a separate structure from the home on the same property -- that contained roosters in separate cages that appeared to be prepped for fighting," Gross told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "Also there was a fighting ring found there."
Police arrested 66-year-old Victor Bonilla and 23-year-old Jessie Brandon Maldonado at the scene. They're both charged with animal cruelty, Gross said.
Gross said the arrests will help disrupt illegal bird fighting and quality of life issues in Suffolk and the surrounding areas.
The SPCA seized the 17 birds along with a pit bull.
