BUCKLEY, Wash. — Deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department seized over 200 birds from an illegal cockfighting operation in Buckley.
The 232 roosters, hens and chicks were recovered from the property Aug. 1. In addition to the hundreds of birds, officials discovered a fighting pit, multiple knives, medication and altered birds on the property.
According to a press release from the sheriff's department, there are multiple factors investigators look for when searching the scene of an apparent cockfighting operation. They test the area for blood, try to identify roosters that have been altered and find tools used in fighting, such as spurs and knives.
Due to the large amount of birds, several agencies were called in to assist the sheriff's department, including Metro Animal Services, City of Tacoma Animal Control, King County Animal Control, Thurston County Animal Services and veterinarians from Bothell.
Sgt. Darren Moss said in a press release that typically, birds found in similar conditions almost always have to be euthanized due to their trained aggression. However, in this case, animal control found several local shelters that were able to take in the birds.
"This is a great win for our animal control officers as well as our animal lovers in our community," Moss said.
No charges regarding this case have been announced, but earlier this year, a bill was signed into law that enhances first-degree animal cruelty to a ranked felony. Previously, only animal cruelty involving sexual conduct met that threshold. Additionally, prosecutors are now able to file felony charges for all involved animals in cruelty cases.
State officials would like to hear from anyone who sees suspicious activity on rural properties, animals chained up, or large numbers of cars coming to rural properties late in the evening. Those with information can also leave an anonymous tip on the commission's website.