100 canaries seized in Conn. bird fighting ring

updated 6:36 p.m. ET July 26, 2009

SHELTON, Conn. - Police in Connecticut say they've seized more than 100 canaries and arrested 19 people in connection with a bird fighting operation.

They say residents of a home in Shelton were preparing the birds to fight Sunday morning when they were arrested. The road leading to the home has been kept closed while animal control officials put the canaries in large cages and take them away.

Canaries generally are known as small songbirds that make good pets. But they can become aggressive and fight with each other, especially during breeding season.

Neighbors say they had no idea bird fighting was occurring at the home.

The names of the people arrested and the charges against them haven't been released.

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