Man charged in bird-fighting ring gets probation

DERBY, Conn.—A Connecticut judge has granted probation to a man who was arrested in July in connection with a bird-fighting operation in Shelton.

Thirty-five-year-old Agostinho Gondinho is the 16th man charged in the case to receive accelerated rehabilitation, a program that results in charges being dismissed after successful completion of probation. He appeared in Derby Superior Court on Tuesday.

Authorities arrested 19 Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey residents, who are all natives of Brazil, after a July 26 raid at a Shelton home that led to the seizure of 150 birds, mostly saffron finches and canaries. Cases against three other men are pending.

Police say they found about 15 birds with serious injuries and substances apparently used to make them fight better.