Police arrested a Central Islip man Monday, accusing him of hosting illegal animal fighting.

Police raided the Irving Street home of 60-year-old Jaime Schelmety and discovered a fighting ring in his basement to go along with five chickens, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

According to the SPCA, the chickens were shaven, trained and prepared for fighting to the death. The chickens were in an unsalvageable condition, and had to be put down, the group said.

Schelmety' son, Jaime Louis Schelmety, said his father bred the animals and did not conduct animal fighting.

"We have chickens because we love the noise of the chickens," the son said. "The way they sing in the morning; for us, that's music to our ears."

Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said animal fighting has been on the rise.

"Bloodsports in general, whether it's dog fighting or cock fighting, is becoming more popular," Gross said. "Unfortunately, a lot of it is gang-related."

There is no word on whether Schelmety, who was charged with felony animal fighting, has gang connections. If convicted, he faces up to a $25,000 fine or four years imprisonment.

Related Information:Suffolk County Police DepartmentSuffolkCounty SPCA