By NICOLE VALICEK
TWO properties in the West have been raided and 14 roosters seized in relation to alleged cockfighting.
On August 2, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Victoria inspectors raided one property in Laverton and another in St Albans.
In both locations, a warrant was executed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Hobsons Bay Police accompanied the RSPCA.
Hobsons Bay police Inspector Richard Paterson said 14 roosters, believed to be bred for illegal cock fighting, were located and removed from the Laverton address.
He said the RSPCA had laid charges on a 65-year-old occupant.
RSPCA Inspectors will now compile a brief of evidence after seizing birds and equipment believed to be used to train and fight the roosters.
RSPCA manager Inspectorate Services, Allie Jalbert said it was extremely frustrating that these men were both found guilty of similar offences in a previous RSPCA operation and yet continued to show blatant disregard for animals and the law.
“These people just aren’t getting the message, if you perpetuate activities which involve cruelty to animals, we will find you and prosecute you,” he said.
“You would think that after being banned from owning animals for 10 years and being slapped with hefty fines, they would learn a valuable lesson, apparently not.”
A cockfight is a blood sport between two roosters held in a ring called a cockpit. The roosters, referred to as gamecocks are specially bred and conditioned for increased stamina, strength and aggression
The comb and the wattle of the bird are cut off, and in many cases, are injected with hormones to increase size and aggression. In cockfighting, a rooster trained and bred for the game is pitted against another in a duel to the death.
Under Australian and Victorian cruelty laws, it is an offence to allow gamecocks to fight; to be in possession of cockfighting implements or own a bird for the purposes of fighting. It is also an animal cruelty offence to be present at a cockfight.
RSPCA Victoria Animal Inspectors raided an illegal cockfighting ring at a property in Rockbank on 9 September 2012.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact RSPCA or Victoria Police.
