‘Abhorrent’ cockfighting ring busted by RSPCA and property owner was ALREADY banned from owning poultry
- Rooster, hens and chicks rescued from a property north-west of Melbourne
- RSPCA officers allege birds were involved in a suspected cockfighting ring
- Owner allegedly already serving ban for managing poultry from prior offences
- Do you know more about the property? Email kylie.stevens@mailonline.com
Almost 200 birds involved in a suspected cockfighting ring have been rescued in an RSPCA and police raid.
A warrant was executed to seize the birds from a property near Malmsbury, north-west of Melbourne, last week.
Around 75 roosters allegedly groomed for cockfighting were among those removed, along with chicks, mature hens, and juvenile roosters.
Roosters, hens and chicks involved in a suspected cockfighting ring were among almost 200 birds rescued from a property last week (stock image)
The RSPCA alleges cockfighting implements were also found on the property and said the owner was already serving a ten year ban for managing poultry arising from a prior prosecution.
The ban was due to expire in late 2022.
The RSPCA described the raid in conjunction with Victoria Police and Macedon Ranges Shire and Brimbank City councils.
‘While all those involved in this investigation were pleased with the outcome, it is a shocking reality that cockfighting, a barbaric activity, continues to operate in Victoria,’ RSPCA inspector team leader Karen Collier said.
Macedon Ranges Council’s investigations into the conditions and structures at the property are continuing.
RSPCA officers removed almost 200 birds from a Victorian property last week. Pictured is a seized rooster from a previous RSPCA raid
‘Cockfighting is an abhorrent and cruel activity leading to severe suffering of the roosters involved,’ assets and operation director Shane Walden said.
The seized birds were transported to various RSPCA shelters across Victoria in unknown conditions.
A RSPCA spokeswoman said the prosecutions team was assessing whether further action will be taken.
The birds seized were taken to RSCPA shelters in unknown conditions. Pictured is a rooster involved in a previous prosecution case by the RSPCA
She declined to comment on whether property owner’s current ban was in relation to cockfighting activities.
Cockfighting is illegal in Australia, as is the possession of any equipment for those purposes.
Allowing or encouraging an animal to fight with another animal carries a jail term of up to two years or fines of up to $82,610.
Attendees to an event where animals are encouraged to fight can also be fined up to $20,000.
Anyone with information about suspicious cock-fighting activities should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Cockfighting is illegal in Australia. Penalties include jail time and hefty fines (stock image)