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More than 500 roosters have been seized by NSW police and the RSPCA as a probe into an “abhorrent, barbaric” illegal cockfighting syndicate continues.
Most of the animals will need to be euthanised, with the possibility of rehoming the adult birds “nearly impossible”, according to the RSPCA.
A search warrant at a Horsley Park property in Sydney on Thursday revealed 540 fighting cockerels, roosters and chickens as well as cockfighting paraphernalia, including razor sharp spurs used to transform the animals into “lethal weapons”.
A crime scene was established as RSPCA inspectors continue to facilitate the safe removal of the animals on Friday, but no one has yet claimed ownership of the animals.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said while it was possible the juvenile birds could be rehomed, the adults would likely need to be put down.
“They were undoubtedly destined for a very gruesome death … The very nature of these birds is to (effectively) be fighting for survival,” he said.
“While these birds will escape what would have been a barbaric death, the prospect of rehoming most of them is near on impossible.
“We will do our best … The reality is most of these birds will be humanely euthanised once the investigation concludes.”
Mr Coleman said not only were officers working to safely remove the animals from the property, they had also seized “implements”, including razor sharp blades that were attached to the animal’s natural spur.
“(This) turns them from an aggressive animal to a lethal weapon,” he said.
“To put them on a bird, to expect the bird to slash … to stab each other to death is utterly barbaric.
“Unfortunately, this is a sport that is well promoted in different parts of the world, but that culture in this state is illegal.
“It’s completely unnecessary and is something we will continue to work on to stamp out.”
A man was detained by police and spoken to at the property before he was released.
The raid follows extensive investigations by the State Crime Command’s organised crime squad, NSW Crime Commission and RSPCA NSW in 2020 to uncover animal cruelty offences in Sydney’s southwest.
A search warrant on December 13 was carried out at a Catherine Field property where officers uncovered a “designated cockfighting area” and several large sheds used to house 71 fighting cockerels as well as metal spikes, spurs and other cockfighting paraphernalia.
At the time, police seized $107,170 in cash and electronic devices from the premises.
The animals were seized by RSPCA NSW, with several taken to veterinary care for “serious injuries”.
One man was taken into the custody of the Department of Home Affairs regarding his visa status, while 34 men were issued court attendance notices for promote/organise/attend animal fight.
The men are due to appear before Moss Vale Local Court on April 1.
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