Dozens of birds were seized yesterday after authorities discovered an alleged cockfighting ring in Springfield.
State Police and officers with MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement reportedly found more than 60 birds at a home on Chapin Street along with paraphernalia meant for raising them for the purposes of fighting.
They include sharp objects that are attached to the birds' legs to inflict more severe injuries.
“We opened this investigation several months ago after being contacted by State Police,” explained MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler. “Upon executing the search warrant today, we found more than 60 birds associated with a suspected cockfighting operation, as well as paraphernalia consistent with the raising and keeping of birds for the purposes of fighting, including sharp objects that are attached to roosters’ legs during fights to inflict more severe injuries.”
Cockfighting is an illegal practice in the United States that relies on cruelty for profit. It involves forcing two birds to fight—often to the death—for gambling and entertainment. Even when birds survive the match, they suffer severe injuries, such as punctured lungs, evisceration, broken bones, and eye damage.
“It’s hard to state just how cruel and inhumane these kinds of things are,” he said. “We’re grateful to the State Police for bringing this to our attention and working with us throughout the investigation.”
Officials said at least one arrest was made.
(Photo: MSPCA-Angell)