500 Roosters ‘Bred And Raised For Animal Fighting’ Seized From Washington Property

Authorities in Washington state on Thursday recovered more than 500 roosters “bred and raised for animal fighting” along with “numerous” neglected livestock animals.

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said investigators executed a search warrant on a property in the Yelm area Thursday in collaboration with multiple animal service agencies from across western Washington.

Investigators found more than 500 roosters, which had been bred and raised for cockfighting, on the property. The sheriff’s office said “numerous” neglected livestock animals were also seized and taken into protective care, but the exact types and quantities of animals were not immediately released.

Photos shared by the sheriff’s department show dozens of the birds caged in on the property, with many that appear to be chained up.

Joint Animal Services, Regional Animal Services of King County, Pierce County Sheriffs Department Animal Control, Mason County Sheriffs Office, Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County, Save A Forgotten Equine (SAFE), Center Valley Animal Rescue and Edmonds Police Department Animal Control all assisted in the investigation.

“Animal control agencies and shelters do not have the budget or staff to handle cases of this magnitude on their own,” Joint Animal Services said in a statement. “Partnerships and mutual aid with other animal agencies enable us to achieve what often seems impossible. Thank you to our regional animal agency partners for stepping up and assisting JAS during this critical case.”

The sheriff’s office did not say whether charges had been filed in the case.