Seven people from New York and Connecticut were arrested when police allegedly discovered what authorities are calling a large-scale illegal cockfighting ring in West Haven involving over 100 individuals from the tri-state area.
Police made the arrests on Saturday around 6:50 p.m. after responding to a building in the 200 block of Front Avenue on the report of an illegal cockfighting event, according to Sgt. Scott Allard of the West Haven Police Department.
Allard said police allegedly found “well over” 100 people gathered around a makeshift wooden ring. Numerous individuals fled when officers arrived. Seven suspects were apprehended after police allegedly discovered more than 30 live roosters, including some in boxes and others that were running around, as well as several dead roosters, according to Allard.
Inside the makeshift ring, Allard said officers allegedly found loose feathers, chicken spurs, blood spatter and other evidence of an illegal cockfighting. West Haven Animal Control Officers responded to the scene and seized the animals.
Detectives also responded and allegedly found through their investigation that the building was being used for a large-scale illegal cockfighting event involving individuals who came from the tri-state area to attend, according to Allard.
Jose Gonzalez, 58, of West Haven was arrested on charges of cruelty to animals and illegal use of an animal for fighting, Allard said.
Six other suspects were charged with cruelty to animals, illegal use of an animal for fighting and interfering with an officer. Those arrested included:
Sergio Andrade Catana, 52, of New Windsor, New York.
Kelvin Quituizaca-Martinez, 32, of Middletown, New York.
Luciano Ramos, 60, of Newburgh, New York
Jesus Ventura-Reyes, 60, of Brooklyn, New York.
Jose Jiminez-Ortiz, age 62, of New Britain.
Samual Santiago, 49, of Hamden.
Allard said seven individuals were held on bond pending an arraignment hearing.