Berks County

Felony Charges in Cockfighting Bust

A Berks County man is facing 10 felony counts of animal cruelty after an investigation uncovered a cockfighting ring at a large farm.

Thirty-one-year-old Jesus Rodriguez, of Reading, was taken into custody Thursday morning after the Pennsylvania SPCA discovered cockfighting paraphernalia and hundreds of birds on a Bernville property, according to officials.

Officers removed more than 100 birds and transported them to the PSPCA's Philadelphia headquarters for evaluation, according to reports.

The PSPCA also removed three dogs, a goat and a horse from the farm based on animal cruely violations, including unsanitary confinment, failure to provide veterinary care and failure to provide adequate sustenance.

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