Largest cockfighting bust in state history; 70 arrested, 3,000 birds rescued

NEW YORK – The state Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) executed the largest cockfighting takedown in New York State history. This weekend’s multi-faceted takedown represents the largest known rescue of fighting roosters in New York’s history, and among the largest in United States history. This is the first known investigation in which the crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting was enforced in three separate New York counties simultaneously, in Queens, Kings and Ulster counties. While 70 people initially detained at a cockfighting event, nine felony arrests were made, and as many as 3,000 birds, as well as cockfighting-related contraband, were rescued in the three-county-wide bust.

“Cockfighting is a cruel, abusive and barbaric practice that tortures animals, endangers the health and safety of the public and is known to facilitate other crimes,” Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said. “My office, along with our partners in law enforcement and animal welfare, are committed to ending this vicious blood sport. This investigation – one of the largest in U.S. history – illustrates the prevalence of cockfighting in America, its brutal nature and the link to other illegal activities. My office will keep working to hold these individuals accountable, and put an end to illegal cockfighting.”

The Attorney General’s OCTF unit was assisted with the “Operation Angry Birds” investigation by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which offered its expertise in evidence collection as well as removal and sheltering of the seized animals, the Ulster County Sheriff’s office, which provided physical surveillance, and the Department of Homeland Security (HSI), which provided local aerial surveillance. The New York State Police also assisted with the raids.

"No animal should be forced to fight to the death for human entertainment and profit, and we are proud to play a leading role in removing and caring for these victimized birds, as well as offering expert legal assistance in this case," said ASPCA President and CEO Matthew Bershadker. "This collaborative investigation, intervention and enforcement is a giant step toward our shared goal of wiping out cockfighting in America."


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