NORWALK, Ohio — A cockfighting operation in Wakeman, Ohio, was raided by the Huron County Humane Society (HCHS) Humane Investigations Department Thursday.
A total of 265 animals were removed from the property, ranging from chickens to rabbits, sheep and dogs, according to a release from HCHS. They had assistance from the Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County and Whispering Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary.
The operation had more than 100 roosters, the release states. Officials said many of them were hidden in the woods.
“Cockfighting is a cruel and abusive crime in which a knife-type device commonly called a “gaff” is attached to the legs of roosters before the roosters are pitted against one another in a fighting ring,” the release reads. “The roosters then stab each other with the weapons that are fastened to their legs.”
The animals often die as a result of their injuries.
HCHS received a tip about this operation’s connection to one in another county.
Due to the large amount of animals being taken to the shelter at the same time, HCHS said they are in need of donations. You can do so here.
“There should be no tolerance for people who engage in this cruel bloodsport. Cockfighting is barbaric and there is no place for it in our community,” said Amanda Fearing, HCHS’ Medical Director, “Because of support from our community, we are able to save animals from these inhumane conditions and ensure that these roosters didn’t suffer cruel deaths in a pit.”
HCHS said the suspect surrendered the animals from the property. They also said they cannot share any more details as the case is still an active investigation.
