200 Roosters Held in Arkansas Jail Evidence in Cockfighting Case
What do you do when you have to keep hundreds of roosters as evidence of a crime? Put 'em in jail. That's what one Arkansas sheriff decided to do after arresting over a hundred people suspected of participating in cockfighting. Now a court will have to decide what to do with the jailbirds while neighbors put up with the noise.
What Is Cockfighting?
According to the ASPCA, cockfighting is "a blood sport in which two roosters specifically bred for aggression are placed beak to beak in a small ring and encouraged to fight to the death." The roosters are often outfitted with dagger-like accessories to inflict maximum injury on their opponents. Owners use a number of tactics to produce a winning bird, including practice fights and steroids. The barbaric practice often goes hand-in-hand with other crimes such as drugs, gambling, and gang activity, and it's illegal in every state.
Elaborate Cockfighting Operation
On March 17, authorities in De Queen, Arkansas raided a cockfight and arrested 137 people in attendance. Multiple agencies participated in the raid which was an effort to close down an elaborate cockfighting operation that changed location every weekend.
Charges Against Those Arrested
Charges against those arrested range from unlawful animal fighting, which is a felony, to misdemeanors. Some of those arrested were there as spectators. Meanwhile, the roosters are being cared for by inmates at the jail (none of whom have been charged with cockfighting-related crimes).
If you've been arrested and accused of a crime, speak with an attorney today to protect your rights.
Related Resources:
- Find an Attorney Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- What Is Considered Animal Cruelty Under the Law? (FindLaw's Blotter)
- California Man Killed by Rooster at Cockfight (FindLaw's Legally Weird)
- Champion Rooster Slashes Its Owner's Throat (Daily Mail)