Yesterday, Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted the Clark County Sheriff’s Office with the seizure of more than 160 roosters and hens from an alleged cockfighting operation in Clark County, Wisconsin.
Law enforcement served a search and seizure warrant on a residential property around 9 a.m. Roosters were isolated in individual cages, and dead chicks were found strewn throughout the property. Responders noted that most of the birds had no apparent access to food or water, and many were missing toes—one was missing both feet. Most of the roosters had been dubbed, a common, painful procedure in cockfighting operations in which roosters’ fleshy waddles and combs are cut off to mitigate the potential disadvantage caused by blood loss in cockfights.
Responders with Humane World for Animals assisted with animal handling, scene documentation and provided expertise in identifying animal fighting paraphernalia. Items consistent with the raising and conditioning of birds for the purposes of fighting was found on the property, including a transport box, the inside of which appeared to be covered in blood; sparring muffs, which are used to prevent injuries during conditioning; and short knives, which are attached to roosters’ legs during fights to inflict severe injuries.
“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.”
“I would like to thank Humane World for Animals for all the assistance with this case,” said Clark County Sheriff Kerry Kirn.
