West Haven police said this ring was used in a large and organized cockfighting operation in the city. Seven men have been arrested. 

By Josh Lanier From Daily Voice

Police in Connecticut have arrested multiple people they say were taking part in an illegal cockfighting event in West Haven over the weekend. 

West Haven police received a report about the alleged cockfighting ring on Saturday, Nov. 22, shortly before 7 p.m. that was taking place in a Front Avenue building, officials said. 

As officers moved in, police said several people in the crowd ran from the building. Authorities caught seven men who were involved in the event.

Police said the ring used to house the fights was covered in “loose feathers, chicken spurs, blood spatter, and other evidence.” Officers also found “dozens of roosters, some running around and others in boxes.”

In cockfighting, roosters bred for aggression are placed in a ring with sharp spurs on their legs and forced to fight to the death, according to the ASPCA.

Animal Control removed more than 30 live roosters and several dead ones from the scene, according to police.

Detectives took over and learned the event drew participants from the Tri-State area. Police allege that it was a large-scale and well-organized operation.

Six people were charged with cruelty to animals, illegal Use of an Animal for fighting, and interfering with an Officer. Those were:

  • Andrade Catana, 52, of New Windsor, NY
  • Kelvin Quituizaca-Martinez, 32, of Middletown, NY
  • Luciano Ramos, 60, of Newburgh, NY
  • Jesus Ventura-Reyes, 60, of Brooklyn, NY
  • Jose Jiminez-Ortiz, 62, of New Britain
  • Samual Santiago, 49, of Hamden

Jose Gonzalez, 58, of West Haven, was charged with cruelty to animals and illegal use of an animal for fighting.

West Haven police said all of them were being held on bond. 

This case remains under investigation.