Care For Birds Rescued In Wisconsin Cockfighting Bust Continues

As animal rescue officials continue to treat chickens involved in a large scale cockfighting ring in Polk and St. Croix Counties, they’re warning residents that it’s more prevalent than many people imagine.

As a result of the bust, three brothers from Polk County have been charged with 10 felony counts each of instigating animal fights, and workers with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are treating 1,200 roosters and chickens for malnourishment and injuries from fighting. ASPCA Vice President of Field Investigations Tim Rickey said the case seems extreme, but cockfighting is more common than some may think.

“ASPCA has seen through our direct work and just the communications with law enforcement around the country that it is prevalent, and we’re certainly going to aggressively pursue it,” he said.

Rickey said last year 4,200 birds were rescued from a New York State cockfighting ring and 600 more were rescued from a farm in Virginia shortly after.