Humane World for Animals Assists Clark County Sheriff's Department in Seizure of Roosters From Alleged Cockfighting Operation

Friday, May 23rd, 2025 -- 12:28 PM

Yesterday, Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted the Clark County Sheriff’s Office with the seizure of more than 160 roosters and hens from an alleged cockfighting operation in Clark County, Wisconsin.  PHOTOS.

Law enforcement served a search and seizure warrant on a residential property around 9 a.m. Roosters were isolated in individual cages, and dead chicks were found strewn throughout the property.

Responders noted that most of the birds had no apparent access to food or water, and many were missing toes, one was missing both feet. Most of the roosters had been dubbed, a common, painful procedure in cockfighting operations in which roosters’ fleshy waddles and combs are cut off to mitigate the potential disadvantage caused by blood loss in cockfights.  

Responders with Humane World for Animals assisted with animal handling, scene documentation and provided expertise in identifying animal fighting paraphernalia.

Items consistent with the raising and conditioning of birds for the purposes of fighting was found on the property, including a transport box, the inside of which appeared to be covered in blood; sparring muffs, which are used to prevent injuries during conditioning; and short knives, which are attached to roosters’ legs during fights to inflict severe injuries.   

“Cockfighting is a violent, tragic enterprise. Along with the terrible suffering of the roosters who are forced to fight each other to death, organized crime impacts the entire community, often including children,” said Laura Koivula, director of animal crimes and investigations, Humane World for Animals. “We are deeply grateful to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for intervening in this situation.” 

“I would like to thank Humane World for Animals for all the assistance with this case,” said Clark County Sheriff Kerry Kirn. 

Cockfighting is a criminal industry that profits from violent cruelty to animals. It involves pitting two animals to fight, often to the death, for the purpose of profit, gambling and purported entertainment.

Even birds who aren't outright killed during the fights suffer terribly. Common injuries include punctured lungs, broken bones and pierced eyes, yet the birds are forced to continue to fight.   

Cockfighting can also pose a significant risk to the spread of avian disease, including highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. These criminal enterprises are associated with the spread of avian disease due to gamefowl yards, where hundreds of birds are raised in close proximity and without protection from wild birds. They are often exposed to blood in fights and are transported across the country without oversight. 

Due to the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as avian flu to humans and to commercial flocks and lack of placement options for roosters, the birds seized from this property were humanely euthanized by veterinarians.   

Despite the inherent cruelty to animals, public health risk and links to crimes such as drug and weapons trafficking, a group of pro-cockfighting individuals has launched a coordinated effort to reduce or eliminate penalties for cockfighting in multiple states across the U.S.

The group hosts pro-cockfighting rallies, raises funds and donates to legislators in their attempts to decriminalize cockfighting. Cockfighting is a crime in every state and a felony in 42 states.

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