RSPCA Inspectors located and seized 186 fowl and numerous cockfighting paraphernalia, including prohibited spurs which are attached to cock birds during fights.
The properties raided were in Cairns (1), Gympie (3), Sunshine Coast (1), North Brisbane (2), South Brisbane (3) and West of Ipswich (1).
A large number of hens that were seized will go through our rehoming process. However the cock birds seized by our Inspectorate have been bred to fight over generations. It is an absolute waste of life and sad reality for these cock birds that they won't be able to be rehomed.
They are not able to be placed into normal, loving home environments, and leaving them in the conditions they were living in was not a humane option. Due to the ties that the individuals that owned these birds had to a poultry club, rehoming to those with experience with these breeds, is sadly also not an option despite well-meaning breed enthusiasts that may have offered assistance. The chance of cock birds ending up back into illegal operations no matter how slim it may be, is a risk that simply cannot be taken.
This is not the first cockfighting situation our Inspectorate has attended.
The people associated with these cock birds allegedly bred them for one purpose only - to fight and to die awful deaths whilst profiting in the process. We are now at least sparing them from this suffering that they would normally have endured. Cock fighting is illegal and morally disgusting. This 'sport' puts animal welfare last and has no place in our society.
Our dedicated Inspectors were able to dismantle separate illegal operations in Queensland due to their hard work and commitment to ending animal cruelty.
There is a long road ahead in terms of prosecution and we hope to get justice for all of the birds seized. A seizure of this magnitude, which involved every single one of our inspectors, is obviously is quite a financial burden on our charity; there is time and money involved in the planning the investigation, conducting the raid as well as the legal costs of prosecuting those accused of animal cruelty. As only 2% of our funding comes from the government, it is only thanks to supporters like you that we are able to tackle such large cases and make a difference.
To help keep our inspectors on the road fighting animal cruelty, please donate now and help more stray, abandoned or abused farm animals find new homes and families to love them. Donate or call us 1300 777 221.
As the Communications & Media Manager for RSPCA Qld, Emma's passionate about making a real difference and believes every animal has a story to share. She has over nine years experience working in animal welfare and is the voice for the RSPCA on digital, print and broadcast channels.
