PLANT CITY, Fla. (AP) — Nine people were detained after authorities raided a cockfight in the Tampa Bay-area.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says the cockfight was in progress when deputies arrived Tuesday morning at a Plant City home to investigate reports about a cockfighting ring.

Deputies say several people fled the scene on foot. Nine people were caught and detained.

According to the sheriff’s office, there were numerous roosters in cages at the home. Several of the birds were dead.

Animal services were called to the scene.

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