Investigators seize over 200 roosters in cockfighting raid

Animal welfare investigators have busted open what they believe to be a cockfighting ring and rescued over 200 roosters during a raid on a Victorian property.

More than 200 roosters have been rescued by RSPCA investigators after a raid on a Victorian property busted open what is alleged to be an illegal cockfighting ring.

The RSPCA removed the animals on Friday morning following a tip off about an upcoming illegal cockfighting event to be held at the property at Melton, west of Melbourne.

Following the execution of a warrant, RSPCA inspectors removed more than 200 roosters which they allege were owned and used for cockfighting.

More than 200 roosters were removed from the property. Picture: Supplied/RSPCA.

Investigators found the animals were being kept in unsanitary and cramped conditions. Picture: Supplied/RSPCA.

The RSPCA said vets who inspected the animals found they did not have access to water, were being kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions, and had been mutilated for the purpose of cockfighting.

“Cockfighting is an abhorrent and inherently cruel activity that leads to the severe suffering of the roosters used in this bloodsport,” the RSPCA’s Lisa Calleja said.

“The roosters at this location were highly aggressive and many were kept in cages without access to food or water.”

The RSPCA said the raid represented a disruption of the alleged animal fighting ring.

Under Victorian law, offenders found guilty of animal cruelty face up to two years in jail of a $92,000 fine.