Cockfighting Ring Busted Thanks to Drone Footage

Cockfighting is a horrifying blood sport that involves forcing two roosters to fight to the death. Often, the roosters will have knives attached to their legs to inflict maximum damage on their opponents. These blades are called gaffs. Cockfighting spectators often bet on the outcome of the fights. If they do not die outright, the losing rooster is often left to suffer and slowly die from the injuries that they have sustained. Although cockfighting is illegal in the United States, this disgusting form of animal cruelty is still sadly far too common. 

The Animal rights group Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) recently helped to stop one cockfighting ring in Delaware. The group flew a drone over a farm suspected of hosting cockfights. Footage revealed a cockfight in progress. The drone also captured a large group of spectators, which included children, in attendance. 

After drone footage was captured, SHARK alerted local police who obtained a search warrant for the property. The owners of the farm, Billy and Andrea Keen, were arrested. Both were charged with a felony count of possessing an animal for fighting. Additionally, Andrea Keen was charged with a felony count of being present for animal fighting. It is unclear if any members of the crowd were arrested or charged. Most appeared to have scattered when police and animal welfare officers arrived at the scene. In Delaware, watching, participating, or gambling on a cockfight constitutes a felony. 

This is not the first cockfighting ring SHARK has helped expose. The group has helped stop other cockfighting organizations through similar actions. They fly drones over farms suspected of hosting these deplorable events. They have previously exposed cockfighting in Alabama and Kentucky. Sadly, this shows how prevalent cockfighting remains, despite its illegality. 

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 U.S. States, yet it continues to be all too common. Sign this petition to Demand Enforcement of Anti-Cockfighting Laws!

Not Your Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content: 

• Nearly 150 Roosters Euthanized After Police Shut Down Cockfighting Event
• 97 Roosters Seized From Illegal Cockfighting Ring in Texas
• Cockfighting Puts People at High Risk for Avian Flu
• Police Officer Killed by Rooster While Breaking Up Illegal Cockfight
• Trudeau’s Cabinet Minister Under Fire for Eating Dog Meat and Attending Illegal Cockfight

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