How to Investigate Animal Cruelty in NY State – A Manual of Procedures
Example 20 – Cock Fighting
The Complaint
An informant notified a city humane society about a large cock fighting ring that held regularly scheduled fights involving approximately 100 fighting cocks.
The Response
- The humane society did surveillance and used an undercover investigator to attend a fight.
- After verifying that fights were being held, the humane society applied for a search warrant.
- On the night of a scheduled fight, the humane society investigators along with officers from the police department, raided the fight. Video footage as well as still photographs were used to document the scene.
- The humane society provided vehicles to remove the birds.
- Ninety six people were arrested; twelve were charged with felony cock fighting, the rest were charged with misdemeanors.
- The birds that were not euthanized were held for evidence.
Charges Brought
The individuals involved were charged with Training Animals to Fight, a (felony) violation of Article 26 Section 351 of Agriculture and Markets law subsections 2a and 4a.
Supporting Documents Follow