SPRINGFIELD — Officials on Wednesday removed more than 60 birds from a house in Springfield where there was an alleged cockfighting ring, the MSPCA-Angell announced.
The Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals carried out a warrant in the afternoon at a house on the corner of Chapin Terrace and Chestnut Street in the city.
Officers reportedly saw “dozens of birds living in multiple structures in a manner commonly associated with cockfighting operations,” a statement from the animal cruelty prevention agency said.
Cockfighting, which is illegal in the U.S., “relies on cruelty for profit,” the agency said, forcing two birds to fight — often to the death — for gambling and entertainment. The animals that survive often suffer severe injuries, like punctured lungs, broken bones and damage to their eyes.
Wednesday’s removal of the animals through a search warrant is the culmination of an investigation that was opened several months ago.
In addition to the birds, law enforcement agents found other materials, like sharp objects that are attached to roosters’ legs during fights to inflict more severe injuries, said Chris Schindler, law enforcement director for MSPCA-Angell, in the emailed statement.
“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.”
Following their removal, the birds were taken to an undisclosed location. They will be held there while the court process plays out, the statement said.
