USPCA welcome Gardai’s swift response to illegal cockfighting incident.

Gardaí should be congratulated in their swift response.

The fact that the operation led to 15 dead roosters being discovered, while a further 70 roosters were seized by several Department of Agriculture personnel, evidence of suspected cockfighting was also seized, and many people immediately fled the scene, shows the scale and complexity of the cruelty.

In 2013, a cross-border cockfighting network was exposed by the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).  It followed a two-year investigation by the animal charity which uncovered a series of organised bird fights in Co Monaghan and Derry/Londonderry. It is sad to think this is still happening.

USPCA chief executive Nora Smith comments that “cruel and hideous” cockfighting rings continue to exist on the island. This is organised crime on a cross-border level.  These criminals get enjoyment from the suffering and violence.  They also seek financial gain from breeding and betting on the fights.   

“Despite cockfighting being illegal for almost 200 years, it is still a popular sport amongst certain societal groups,” she said.

“Unfortunately, cockfighting rings do exist in Northern Ireland and while they do, they will remain an area of focus for our charity.”

The animal charity chief described the animal fighting world as “incredibly dangerous”.

“Cockfighting cases can be some of the most difficult to uncover,” she said.
“They are incredibly secretive so catching those involved in the act can be extremely difficult.”

She urged anyone with information to report it to the authorities and animal charities such as the USPCA or the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

“The suffering and the stress these animals have to endure is inconceivable”. 

Links:

Roosters seized in Monaghan cockfighting probe (rte.ie)

Investigation: Cruel cockfighting sees an underground resurgence in Ireland (thejournal.ie)