BOSTON -- Dozens of birds were rescued from an Ashland home where they were being pitted against each other in death matches, police said.

Animal control officers removed 50 finches from the home, located at 133 West Union Street, following a police raid at about 10 p.m. Saturday.

Police said the owners had sharpened the birds’ beaks and were placing the birds in special fighting cages to stage the contests.

The birds were being evaluated by veterinarians Sunday.

Federal, state and local officials are investigating after the raid, but no charges have been announced against the owners.

Police in Connecticut arrested 19 people last July in connection with what they called a bird fighting ring, although there is no indication that Saturday’s police action was related.