Jan 5, 2007 6:46 pm US/Central
Alleged Cockfighting Ring Uncovered In Indiana
200 Roosters, Metal Spurs And Rifles Found On Property Near Gary
by Pamela Jones
CROWN POINT, Ind. (CBS) ―
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Almost 200 roosters were found on a property in Northwest Indiana, along with metal spurs and rifles, leading authorities to believe they uncovered a cockfighting operation.
CBS
Authorities in Northwest Indiana say they uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring. Hundreds of roosters and chickens were forced to fight with sharp spurs tied to their feet in a disturbing case of animal cruelty.
CBS 2 Northwest Indiana Bureau Chief Pamela Jones reports the scene was sickening.
The Lake County Sheriff's Department has been investigating the property for weeks. They were tipped off to the situation by a person who claimed to have attended a cockfight there.
Police believe the almost 200 roosters, sharp metal spurs and a group of rifles and shotguns found at the property near Gary, Ind. add up to a cockfighting operation.
"There was quite a few firearms in the home as well as binoculars so it's obvious that the homeowner could watch the field and rifles with scopes on them and such so you have to be careful," said Matt Lubarski of the Lake County Sheriff's Department.
"We found paraphernalia that is strictly used for cockfighting that is prohibited by law to even possess," said the National Humane Society.
Experts say the spurs are commonly attached to the roosters' legs, and many times they kick each other to death.
The Sheriff's Department says the roosters with the ties around their legs seem to be the most dangerous.
They say some of the animals have had soft tissue removed to improve their performance in the ring.
"Basically they have someone normally hold them down, use a box cutter to cut off the waddles and combs," said Scott Wilson of the Humane Society.
Animal control officers stretched out in the mud to grab the birds from their cages - and identify each one. Others loaded incubators and frozen animal carcasses found inside the home.
Neighbors say they didn't know of any illegal activity going on here.
And as far as the roosters running rampant, neighbor Helen Harper said, "They don't bother me."
The sheriff's department needs to question both the husband and wife who own the home --neither has been arrested.
Cockfighting is illegal in Indiana, as is possessing cockfighting paraphernalia.
The prosecutor will consider charges Monday.
(CBS 2 and the Post-Tribune are news partners covering stories in the communities of northwest Indiana. If you know of stories happening in this region, contact us.
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