Birds seized, euthanized in Clark County cockfighting investigation

A cockfighting operation has ended in Clark County. 

Last Thursday, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office seized more than 160 roosters and hens from a rural farm near Dorchester.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States.

Law enforcement served a search and seizure warrant around 9 a.m. that morning.  

When they arrived, they found the birds in dire condition. A news release from Humane World for Animals said that most had no access to food or water. 

Many of the birds were missing toes. In one case, a bird was missing both feet, the release stated. 

They also found evidence of a practice called dubbing, where the waddles and combs of roosters get cut off.  

Dead chicks were discovered across the property.

Evidence of items used in cockfighting or training the birds for fighting was also found.  Those items included short knives. Humane World said they are placed on the legs of roosters to injure or kill other birds when fighting.

 “Cockfighting is a violent, tragic enterprise. Along with the terrible suffering of the roosters who are forced to fight each other to death, organized crime impacts the entire community—often including children,” said Laura Koivula, director of animal crimes and investigations, Humane World for Animals. “We are deeply grateful to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for intervening in this situation.” 

All of the birds found at the farm were euthanized by veterinarians to avoid the risk of spreading disease including avian flu.   

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release details early next week on the investigation, seizure of the birds, and any arrests that were made.  

Humane World said that cockfighting is illegal in every state in the country. It is a felony in 42 of the 50 states.