Last week, Humane World for Animals assisted the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in the seizure of more than 160 roosters and hens from a suspected cockfighting operation in Clark County, Wisconsin.
Around 9 a.m., law enforcement executed a search and seizure warrant at a residential property, uncovering disturbing conditions. Roosters were found isolated in individual cages, while dead chicks were scattered across the grounds. Many birds lacked access to food or water, and several suffered from severe injuries, one had no feet, and many were missing toes. Most of the roosters had been “dubbed,” a painful procedure common in cockfighting in which the birds’ combs and wattles are cut off to reduce blood loss during fights.
Humane World for Animals provided on-site support with animal handling, scene documentation, and expertise in identifying cockfighting paraphernalia. Evidence found on the property included sparring muffs used in training, a blood-stained transport box, and short knives designed to be strapped to roosters’ legs to maximize injuries during fights.
“Cockfighting is a violent, tragic enterprise,” said Laura Koivula, Director of Animal Crimes and Investigations at Humane World for Animals. “Along with the terrible suffering of the roosters who are forced to fight each other to death, organized crime impacts the entire community—often including children. We are deeply grateful to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for intervening in this situation.”
“I would like to thank Humane World for Animals for all the assistance with this case,” added Clark County Sheriff Kerry Kirn.
Cockfighting is a brutal, criminal industry driven by profit, gambling, and so-called entertainment. Roosters are forced to fight, often to the death, suffering grievous injuries such as punctured lungs, broken bones, and gouged eyes. Even those who survive a match are left in agony, only to be used again.
The public health risks of cockfighting are also significant. These operations are often linked to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, including H5N1. Gamefowl are typically kept in crowded conditions with no biosecurity, leaving them vulnerable to disease from wild birds and from exposure to blood during fights. Birds are also transported across state lines with no regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Due to the risk of disease transmission and the lack of placement options for roosters, all birds seized in this case were humanely euthanized.
Despite the cruelty, public health risks, and ties to organized crime, including drug and weapons trafficking, pro-cockfighting advocates have launched a coordinated effort to weaken laws across the U.S. These groups hold rallies, raise funds, and donate to legislators in attempts to decriminalize cockfighting.
Cockfighting remains a crime in every U.S. state and is a felony in 42 states.
