LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Animal Cruelty detectives with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Animal Control say they rescued more than 300 roosters used for cockfighting from a neighborhood in northeast Las Vegas today.
Authorities say the bust took place at a house on Judson Street, near Carey Avenue between Pecos Road and Lamb Boulevard.
One person is in custody on drug-related charges, the department says, and police expect more charges to follow related to animal cruelty.
#UPDATE The animal welfare org @AWAction_News praised @LVMPD and @ClarkCountyNV Animal Control saying they brought to light “horrific practice of cockfighting that continues to plague the US and its territories.” More: https://t.co/59JI7IVSb9 (📸: @LVMPD) pic.twitter.com/An6Cg9hanY
— KTNV 13 Action News (@KTNV) January 30, 2021
"Many of the roosters had their combs and spurs removed in preparation for fighting," police said.
Trainers will cut off the roosters' spurs and combs before forcing them to fight each other with sharp blades attached to their legs until one of the animals dies, authorities explained.
"Razors that are attached to the birds’ leg were also located at the property," said LVMPD, which describes cockfighting as a "violent and cruel sport."
RELATED: Cockfighting fact sheet from The Humane Society of the United States
The national animal welfare organization Animal Wellness Action commended the department's actions in a statement that read in full:
“We applaud the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Animal Control officers involved in rescuing hundreds of gamecocks today and bringing light to the horrific practice of cockfighting that continues to plague the U.S. and its territories.
“The vast majority of gamecocks bred and raised in states like Nevada continue to be shipped around the globe transmitting terrible plagues such as Newcastle disease and Avian influenza. Cockfighting is not only inhumane, and unconscionable, but is also a breeding ground for the next major pandemic such as COVID-19. We call on the U.S. Dept. of Justice, and state and local officials to take swift and harsh action against those who seek to perpetuate this barbaric blood-sport.”
The Las Vegas police department also wants to remind the community that the act of participating, attending, promoting these types of events is illegal.
Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Animal Cruelty Section at 702-828-3364.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.
To learn more about Animal Wellness Action visit AnimalWellnessAction.org.
