The 26 roosters and two hens seized from a suspected cockfighting ring in the basement of a New Britain home are being tested for diseases to determine what happens to them next.
Police seized the birds on Saturday when they responded to 288-290 Maple St. to investigate an anonymous complaint about a possible large cockfighting ring in the basement and found several roosters squawking and what sounded like a people cheering in the basement, police said.
One of the roosters was was severely injured, according to police.
The birds are being held at a private facility as they undergo testing for disease.
"We believe they were imported from Puerto Rico so the Department of Agriculture becomes involved to test for bird flu and things like that," Captain Thomas Steck, of New Britain Police, said.
Police expect results on the tests on Friday. Diseased birds could be euthanized, but the decision would be up to the state.
If the animals are OK, the city animal control officers will file papers in court to place the birds with a rescue group the city has been in touch with.
