Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania SPCA, investigated a tip about a cockfighting ring in Bernville, Berks County, PA. Subsequently, on August 7th, the PSPCA charged Jesus Manuel Rodriguez, Jr., 31, of Reading, with 10 felony counts of cruelty to animals for ownership of dozens of fighting roosters.
Due to the ongoing investigation, Rodriguez now has additional charges against him by the PSPCA. He has been charged with 21 felony counts and 21 summary counts for owning fighting birds and failing to provide sanitary shelter for them.
The PSPCA has filed 173 counts of animal cruelty against four additional suspects in this investigation.
The PSCPCA named the four people in a press release I received. They are Clarence Miller, 71, Clark Miller, 75, and Lynn Lichtenwalter, 57. All live in Bernville and have each been charged with 46 felony counts for allowing their farm to be used to house fighting roosters, and 11 summary charges for failure to provide veterinary care, sanitary shelter, and adequate water for one horse and three dogs
Pedro Cruz, 64, of Reading has also been charged with two felony counts for owning fighting roosters.
All five suspects have been arraigned. A court date is pending.
At the time of the raid, in addition to the cockfighting ring, the PSPCA removed three dogs, one goat, and a horse. They were removed due to unsanitary confinement along with failing to provide veterinary care and adequate sustenance.
Homes were found for 43 birds and the goat. Two of the three dogs are currently in the care of the PSCPA and up for adoption at the Erie Avenue shelter in North Philadelphia. The third dog is still bieng treated.
Wow, those are a lot of charges. These kind of people have no repsect for animals or people. Take away all their animals and don’t allow them to open it up again!
This place should’ve been shut down a long time ago. Why didnt the humane society or the arl check out this place? We have the PSPCA who comes from Philaadelphia to investigate this place. Our shelters need to get on the ball!
It’s about time.
We obviously don’t know the whole story except what was on the news and bad news sells better. I won’t judge anyone with the few details we really have. That would be ignorant and short sighted. The truth will come out in time.