Most of the roosters rescued during a raid on an alleged cockfighting ring in Sydney were so aggressive towards other birds and humans they had to be put down.
RSPCA New South Wales has confirmed 55 of the 71 fighting cockerels seized from a property in the city’s south-west late last year were too dangerous to be found new homes.
The traumatised birds were taken into care after police raided the Catherine Field acreage and dismantled the biggest alleged cockfighting ring they had uncovered in more than 20 years.
Officers also seized metal spikes and spurs which are fixed to the birds’ legs for the barbaric blood sport, as well as $107,170 in cash allegedly found during the raid.
The blades were labelled with grim names including Mexican Slasher, Socket Knife, Half Bayonet, Jagger and Flipping Fork Knife.
Most of the roosters seized during a raid on an alleged cockfighting ring in Sydney last year (pictured) were so aggressive towards humans and other birds they had to be put down. RSPCA NSW confirmed 55 of 71 fighting cockerels were too dangerous to be found new homes
The birds were taken into care after police raided a property at Catherine Field and dismantled the biggest alleged cockfighting ring they had uncovered in more than 20 years (pictured). Fighting cockerels are kept in small cages to increase their aggression
Officers also allegedly seized metal spikes and spurs (pictured) which are fixed to the birds’ legs in the barbaric blood sport. The blades were labelled with grim names including Mexican Slasher, Socket Knife, Half Bayonet, Jagger and Flipping Fork Knife
One injured rooster had to be euthanised shortly after the operation, while new homes were found for 15 others, but 55 of the birds could not be saved.
‘The remaining roosters were sadly not suitable for re-homing due to serious aggression towards other fowl and people and they were humanely euthanised,’ an RSPCA NSW spokeswoman said.
‘The roosters were selectively bred for the purpose of killing and trained to be aggressive, and were not able to be placed safely with other animals.’
Fighting cockerels are trained to attack, sometimes given steroids, and kept in small cages to increase their aggression for when they are released into a ring for combat.
Sharpened spikes, spurs or blades are fixed to the feet of two birds which then fight until one is dead or so seriously injured it can no longer compete.
While cockfighting has long been banned in all Australian states and territories underground events still takes place in rural and remote gambling dens.
Police arrested 34 men aged 19 to 75 at Catherine Field and charged most with attending a fight in which an animal was pitted against another animal.
Police arrested 34 men aged 19 to 75 in the Catherine Field raid on December 13 (pictured) and charged most with attending a fight in which an animal was pitted against another animal
A 45-year-old man who lives at the raided property (pictured) has also been charged with managing or controlling a place which is used for animal fighting and promoting or organising an animal fight
A 45-year-old man who lives at the property has also been charged with managing or controlling a place which is used for animal fighting and promoting or organising an animal fight.
A 75-year-old man from Padstow Heights was charged with having in his custody a cockerel training dummy.
When detectives raided the Camden Valley Way premises about 11am on December 13, a Sunday, they allegedly found a designated cockfighting area and several large sheds housing the 71 birds.
The operation was part of a joint investigation into animal cruelty launched by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, RSPCA NSW and the NSW Crime Commission earlier last year.
RSPCA chief executive officer Steve Coleman said it was rare for authorities to uncover cockfighting rings as they were so clandestinely run.
In cockfighting ‘contests’ sharpened spikes, spurs or blades are fixed to the feet of two birds who then fight until one is dead or so seriously injured it can no longer compete. One of the birds seized at Catherine Field is pictured
When detectives raided the Camden Valley Way premises about 11am on December 13, a Sunday, they allegedly found a designated cockfighting area (pictured) and several large sheds housing the 71 birds
‘What’s despicable about this activity is that these birds are literally fighting to survive,’ Mr Coleman said.
‘There’s only one outcome with organised cockfighting and that is an animal has to die. And if it doesn’t die at the time of the illegal activity it’ll die shortly thereafter.’
Mr Coleman said fighting cockerels were deliberately bred for aggression.
‘Some of the breed lines of these birds are quite specific… specific breeding to ensure they produce a bird that is ready to fight and is obviously quite strong.’
‘The likelihood of being able to re-home fighting birds is very difficult. That’s the harsh reality.’
The raid at Catherine Field (pictured) was part of a joint investigation into animal cruelty launched by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, RSPCA NSW and the NSW Crime Commission earlier last year
Cockfighting is a popular pastime in countries including The Philippines, parts of Indonesia – particularly Bali – Thailand and Vietnam.Pictured left and right are cockfighting weapons seized at Catherine Field
Organised Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said investigators discovered the alleged syndicate while pursuing other inquiries.
‘By getting enjoyment out of livestock killing each other and making money out of it, it’s quite disgraceful,’ he said.
Cockfighting is a popular pastime in countries including The Philippines, parts of Indonesia – particularly Bali – Thailand and Vietnam.
Most of those arrested at Catherine Field have Southeast Asian surnames.
When the accused men faced Picton Local Court on February 23 magistrate Mark Douglass noted the need to organise interpreters before their next appearances on April 1.
Anyone with information about animal cruelty offences is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police allegedly seized cash (pictured) totalling $107,170 in the Catherine Field raid last year
