SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Over 60 birds were seized in Springfield by law enforcement on Wednesday in connection with an alleged cockfighting investigation.
According to MSPCA-Angell, officers with the organization executed a search warrant at a property in the area of Chapin and Chestnut Streets in coordination with the Massachusetts State Police. Investigators located dozens of birds living in structures commonly associated with cockfighting operations.
“We opened this investigation several months ago after being contacted by State Police,” said 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.”
The birds were removed from the property and have since been brought to an undisclosed location, where they will be held pending court proceedings.
What is Cockfighting?
Cockfighting is an illegal practice in the United States that involves forcing two birds to fight, often to the death, for gambling and entertainment. MSPCA states that even when birds survive the match, they suffer 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,” Schindler said. “We’re grateful to the State Police for bringing this to our attention and working with us throughout the investigation.”
Those with information about possible animal cruelty are urged to contact MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement by calling 617-522-6008 or 800-628-5808 or visiting mspca.org/tip.