Not Disclosed

8 roosters found with battle wounds rescued from inhumane conditions

Marathon, FL

August 2, 2006

On Tuesday, August 1^st, the Stand Up for Animals Shelter in Marathon received a call from a concerned resident that roosters were being kept in inhumane conditions outside a home in Trailerama on 15^th Street.  On Wednesday, Jessica Kamradt from Stand Up for Animals and Phil March, Marathon Animal Control Officer, went to where the chickens were caged.  They found 8 roosters in small round cages with no food, no water and dropping everywhere.  Some were half-plucked and their legs were plucked.

     (Photo courtesy of Keynoter)

The roosters were taken by the shelter and the case has now been turned over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for investigation.  If it is believed that the birds were part of cockfighting activity, criminal charges could be filed with the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

Pat McCullah, Chief Prosecutor in Marathan, stated that a statute on fighting or baiting animals which includes dogs, roosters and bears, is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.  Stand Up for Animals Director Linda Gottwald confirmed the roosters are missing their combs and waddles, which is a common practice for cockfighting organizers to cut them off to make them less vulnerable in fights. She also stated their legs were scarred. When taken into custody, the birds were very defensive.

The residents were not home when authorities arrived, but statute allows for animals to be taken into custody without the owner’s permission if it is believed the animals are neglected or abused. The person who reported the incident is willing to testify in court.

No determination has been made yet if the roosters will be placed in adoptive homes, as rescue officials have not yet been granted custody of them. 

Chris Sanford, an animal-fighting expert with the Humane Society of the United States has been sent photos of the roosters for evaluation.

Reference:

Keynoter