Two more arrests have been made in connection with an illegal cockfighting ring in Herkimer County.

The State Attorney General's Office says 41-year old Juan Vega and 42-year old Wanda Santos of Utica allegedly broke into and attempted to steal 50 chickens from a barn in Poland.

The birds had previously been rescued as part of the AG's "Operation Bloodsport" -- a five month investigation into an alleged cockfighting ring in the Mohawk Valley that resulted in 41 arrests and the seizure of gamecocks, heroin, guns and cash.

Vega and Santos were both charged with burglary and training an animal for fighting amusement.

“It’s cruel, dangerous, and unlawful to torture animals for entertainment – and even more egregious to break in and try to steal those animals after their rescue,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “Poultry pilferers who try to fly the coop with our evidence will be brought to justice.”

The investigation is continuing.

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