Latest news with #cockfighting
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Police arrest 11 men for cockfighting in Terengganu
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 24 — Police arrested 11 men, including an Indonesian national, in Op Dadu for alleged gambling during a cockfighting raid yesterday. State police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the suspects, aged between 32 and 56, were engaged in cockfighting behind a house in Kampung Atas Tol, here, when the raid was conducted at about 12.30pm. He said the raid was conducted following intelligence gathering by the D7 Branch of the state police with the cooperation of the State Veterinary Services Department. The police also seized four roosters, a cockfighting bond, RM5,823 and a bag containing needles, thread and red medical bandages, he said. He said all the suspects tested negative for drugs, and the case is being investigated under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and Section 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015. — Bernama
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
2 women face animal cruelty charges after dozens of horses found dead in San Joaquin County
Two women were arrested and face numerous charges in an animal cruelty investigation launched after dozens of horses were found dead on several San Joaquin County properties. Jan Johnson and Justine Fitzhenry, both of Clements, were arrested Wednesday by the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. Johnson is charged with 23 felony counts and 18 misdemeanor counts. Of the felony counts, 20 are for animal cruelty and three are for possession of an illegal firearm and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. All 18 misdemeanor counts are tied to animal neglect and cockfighting, according to the criminal complaint filed Wednesday in San Joaquin County Superior Court. Fitzhenry is charged with three felony counts of animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count of animal neglect, according to the complaint. The investigation began in August 2024 and spanned at least three properties in the Clements area, about a half hour northeast of Stockton. That month, sheriff's deputies conducted a welfare check at Johnson's property after residents raised concerns about animal neglect. During the welfare check, Johnson allegedly threatened to shoot the deputies, according to the complaint. The case stalled until January, when deputies shut down a cockfighting ring at a property Johnson owns in Lodi. Deputies then executed a search warrant at one of Johnson's three properties on Jan. 22 and found 27 dead horses. There were also several malnourished horses on the premises with limited access to food or water. The next day, deputies searched two additional properties and found dead 53 horses, one cow and one dog. The sheriff's office said they also discovered at least 90 horses and three alpacas that were all malnourished. A bull, a donkey and 13 horses had to be euthanized because of their condition. Johnson, 62, was arrested on Jan. 22 and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on suspicion of criminal threats, cruelty to an animal, possession of a short-barrel shotgun, and threatening a public official. She was released on bail the same day. The sheriff's office continued to investigate, leading to Johnson's second arrest this week and the arrest of Fitzhenry, whom Johnson identified as her assistant in a 2012 Record article. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said Thursday that authorities wanted to ensure every animal abused in the case was represented. "I know this has taken a long time, but we wanted to get it right, and every single one of these animals that were tortured deserve our respect and our passion in investigating this," Withrow said. "We don't allow this to happen in San Joaquin County. We don't want it to happen anywhere in our state or our country, and we're going to hold people accountable that do that." At a news conference Thursday, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas declined to provide specifics about the alleged abuse the animals endured at the hands of Johnson and Fitzhenry. When asked by a reporter why it took so long to bring charges, Freitas said it was a multi-agency investigation. "These are very difficult cases. We have to look into the facts and the conditions of the animals, and document every single one," Freitas said. "Working full time with the sheriff's department, animal services and the district attorney's office, we were able to reach these conclusions and are very proud that we're filing these charges." Johnson and Fitzhenry were both released from the San Joaquin County Jail on bail Thursday. Johnson posted $500,000 bail, and Fitzhenry posted $100,000 bail, according to sheriff's spokesperson Heather Brent. Freitas told reporters he was disappointed the women were able to post bail. "Bail is set by the judges who are elected by the people and appointed by the governor in this state," Freitas said. "We hope to be able to address bail at the arraignment." Johnson and Fitzhenry are scheduled to appear June 6 in San Joaquin County Superior Court for arraignment. If convicted, Johnson faces a 25-year sentence and Fitzhenry faces a four-year sentence, according to Freitas. At the news conference, Freitas also announced the launch of the San Joaquin County Animal Cruelty Coalition. Freitas said his office will partner with the Animal Protection League, San Joaquin County Animal Control, the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau and others 'to educate and ensure there is accountability for animal cruelty.' "Our animals, often are loyal companions, deserve a voice," Freitas said. "We will be that voice and advocate fiercely for their protection." Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@ or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at This article originally appeared on The Record: Women charged after dozens of horses found dead in San Joaquin County
CBS News
17-05-2025
- CBS News
More than 40 arrested after cockfighting ring broken up in SW Miami-Dade, sheriff's office says
More than 40 people were arrested after a cockfighting ring was broken up in southwestern Miami-Dade, according to the sheriff's office. On Friday, May 16, around 4 p.m., deputies were sent to 14287 SW 192nd Avenue to check out reports that multiple people were involved in a fight. When the deputies arrived, they found that not only were people fighting but there was an illegal cockfighting operation going on, according to the sheriff's office. When the people saw the deputies, they fled the area on foot and in vehicles. Deputies were then able to apprehend one person who was found in possession of rooster spurs, a clear indicator of cockfighting activity at the scene, sheriff's investigators said. Investigators with the Organized Crimes Bureau and Vice and Intelligence Squad were called to the scene to assist in the investigation. A total of 42 people were arrested and charged accordingly, according to the sheriff's office. The charges include attending the fighting or baiting of animals and resisting without violence. A total of $39,147 dollars was taken from the individuals at the time of their arrest, according to the sheriff's office. A total of 72 roosters were located on the property. "This type of cruelty and illegal activity has no place in our community. Animal fighting is not only inhumane, but it often goes hand-in-hand with other serious crimes. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting both the people and the animals of our community," Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said in a statement.
Free Malaysia Today
15-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Illegal cockfighting, lottery operations uncovered in forest raid
A total of 124 individuals, including 78 foreigners, were arrested during the raid last Sunday. (PDRM pic) PETALING JAYA : Scores of gamblers engrossed in cockfighting and illegal lottery activities were arrested after a raid in a forested area near Sungai Buloh Hospital last Sunday. A total of 124 people, comprising 46 Malaysians and 78 foreigners, were arrested during the operation, Berita Harian reported. Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) deputy director (intelligence/operations) Fadil Marsus said the team conducted aerial surveillance with drones before launching a surprise raid on the gambling site located deep within the forest. He said the team had been gathering intelligence since the illegal gambling activities, including cockfighting, 'bola golek' (a gambling board game) and unlicensed public lotteries, started last October. To enter the forest, the raiding team, which included anti-vice, gambling and secret societies division (D7) officers, the CID's K9 unit, and the Putrajaya veterinary department, used an unmarked dirt road guided by drone surveillance information. The team also confiscated 52 live chickens, seven dead chickens, 17 steel cockfighting spurs, a weighing scale used in cockfighting, gambling equipment for 'bola golek' and RM145,855 in cash. Fadil said six Indonesians suspected of organising the cockfights, and a Malaysian suspected of organising the illegal lottery, were among those detained. He said police have opened investigation papers under the Open Gambling Houses Act 1953, the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- The Independent
Two arrested and 27 cockerels seized in suspected cockfighting raid at Lancashire stables
Two men have been arrested after 27 cockerels were seized in a raid at a stables in Lancashire suspected to have hosted organised cockfights. After concerns were raised over animal welfare and alleged cockfighting, Lancashire Police said they supported the RSPCA in searching the stables in the seaside town of Lytham on Monday. Detectives said they discovered signs of organised cockfighting, including several makeshift pits, and that some of the seized birds required medical attention. The two men arrested at the scene were later released under police investigation for suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act, the force said. Cockfighting is a blood sport which has been illegal in England and Wales for more than two centuries. It involves domesticated roosters, typically fitted with sharp metal spurs, being goaded into fighting to the death, while a crowd watches and trades bets on the outcome. In a social media post, Lancashire Constabulary said: 'Yesterday, the Fylde Rural Task Force supported the RSPCA at a stables in the Lytham area following concerns about animal welfare and alleged cockfighting. 'On arrival, we discovered signs of organised cockfighting – including several makeshift pits. 'Due to the unusual nature of the incident, assistance was sought from a specialist exotic bird vet who is a dedicated cock handler, ensuring the welfare of the birds were prioritised. In total 27 cockerels were seized from the property some of which needed medical attention. 'Two males were arrested at the location and have since been released under investigation for suspected offences under the animal welfare act. Enquiries remain ongoing in partnership with the RSPCA. 'Cockfighting is not only illegal but deeply cruel.' An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed its officers had joined Lancashire Police as they attended an address in Lytham St Annes on Monday. They said in a statement: 'The operation was part of an ongoing investigation regarding the welfare of cockerels in Lancashire. For legal reasons, we are unable to comment any further at this time.'
