Man arrested on cockfighting charges; dozens of roosters seized

<p>A Suffolk man is facing charges after he was allegedly found to have dozens of roosters that were trained for cockfighting.</p>

News 12 Staff

Feb 10, 2018, 1:04 PM

Updated 2,275 days ago

Share:

Man arrested on cockfighting charges; dozens of roosters seized
A Suffolk man is facing charges after he was allegedly found to have dozens of roosters that were trained for cockfighting.
According to the Suffolk SPCA, 40-year-old Reynaldo Bonilla had more than 60 roosters at his home on Fourth Street in Brentwood, along with hens and cockfighting paraphernalia. Among the cockfighting items allegedly found were fighting talons, which are sharp instruments that are attached to birds' feet.
Asked for comment by News 12 as he was being led out of a police precinct Saturday, Bonilla denied that he was running a cockfighting operation. He claimed to have "rescued" the birds. Asked why they had fighting talons, Bonilla claimed that "that's how they came" when he got the animals.
According to officials, the roosters will have to be euthanized because they can't be rehabilitated and were likely injected with steroids and other substances.
Authorities say they also found a neglected pit bull on Bonilla's property.
And investigators say they recovered a "significant quantity" of cocaine, marijuana, cash, scales and drug-packaging materials at a separate house in Bay Shore linked to Bonilla.
Prosecutors say he has a long rap sheet, including one felony drug conviction.
It marks Bonilla's second cockfighting arrest. The SPCA says 45 roosters were found inside his home back in 2015.
His bail Saturday was set at $80,000 cash.


More from News 12
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:20
Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

1:06
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

2:08
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?