Roosters, dogs seized after alleged cockfight in Central Queensland

Police have broken up an alleged cockfight, a controversial practice that has been banned across all Australian states and territories.

An alleged illegal cockfighting gathering has been broken up by police in a major region city.

The Rockhampton Tactical Crime Squad attended a Grace Street property in Rockhampton with a search warrant on October 3.

Police will allege 29 roosters were found in separate cages in unsanitary conditions with limited water during the search warrant, which was initially issued for dangerous drugs.

The roosters and three dogs were seized from the property with the help of RSPCA.

It’s understood the group of four had gathered for a cockfight, which is illegal in all Australian states and territories.

The illegal practice can put roosters at the “risk of severe pain, injury or even death”, according to the RSPCA website, with roosters typically trained to be aggressive towards one another.

“During a cockfight, roosters are placed in a fighting pit where they are unable to escape and forced to fight often until they are either severely injured or killed,” the RSPCA website states.

“In some cases, sharp razor blades, spikes or other fighting accessories are attached to birds which further increases the chance of birds being injured or killed during fights.”

Police will allege 29 roosters were found in separate cages in unsanitary conditions with limited water. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Upon arrival at the Grace Street property, officers also found drug items, stolen vehicles, weapons, explosives and ammunitions.

A stolen car that had been missing since April was found along with a trailer and quad bike.

A 34-year-old Stanwell man has been charged with two counts of authority required to possess explosives, and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicles and using, or permitting use of, a vehicle for which a number plate attached is recorded as cancelled, lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.

He is set to front the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on November 28.

A 30-year-old Port Curtis man was charged with two counts of possession of prohibited trap or spur unlawful, while a 33-year-old Berserker man was charged with possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, unlawful possession of weapons, and two counts of possessing/acquiring restricted items.

The 33-year-old is set to front the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on November 19.

A 35-year-old Bouldercombe woman was also charged with possessing dangerous drugs, and supplying dangerous drugs.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Originally published as Roosters, dogs seized after alleged cockfight in Central Queensland