Long Island Man Arrested On Cockfighting Charges

ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Authorities say a Long Island man has been arrested on charges accusing him of possessing more than 60 roosters trained for cockfighting.

The Suffolk County SPCA said on Saturday that its detectives seized the roosters and a mistreated pit bull from a location in the hamlet of Brentwood. They also found a fighting ring and metal spurs that are attached to birds when fighting.

Reynaldo Bonilla was to be arraigned on Saturday on multiple charges including animal cruelty. The name of his attorney for wasn't immediately available.

Officials said the roosters will have to be euthanized because they can't be rehabilitated and were likely injected with steroids and other chemicals.

"Cockfighting is a cruel, barbaric practice that leads to other crimes," Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said in a statement Saturday. "This successful investigation will help disrupt illegal bird fighting in Suffolk County and surrounding areas."

If convicted, the 40-year-old Bonilla will be placed on an animal abuse registry that allows authorities to track his whereabouts.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)