We’ve heard of dog fighting rings, but bird fighting?

Connecticut authorities say they arrested 19 people and seized 150 birds in a house raid on Monday on an alleged bird-fighting operation.

Police say they made the arrests Sunday just as spectators had placed bets and were getting ready to watch the birds fight at a home in a town outside of New Haven. Authorities say they seized $8,000 in alleged betting money. Those arrested face gambling and animal cruelty-related charges.

Some of the saffron finches and canaries had previous injuries, including blindness in at least one eye, and may have to be euthanized.

Saffron finches are small birds that are native to South America.

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

What can you do to fight animal cruelty in your neighborhood?

• First, learn how to report animal cruelty.
• Sign up for Pet Care alerts from the ASPCA and share them with your pet-owner friends.