Methuen’s MSPCA is caring for nearly 400 cockfighting roosters after a police raid in Western Massachusetts last week. (Courtesy photograph)
Nearly 400 fighting roosters have been safely transported to Methuen’s MSPCA at Nevins Farm following the police raid of an underground cockfighting operation in Northampton last week.
The animal shelter confirmed that all but 100 hens were specifically bred for cockfighting, a vicious sport that places birds in a ring beak to beak and encourages them to fight to the death.
The birds were seized following the police raid of buildings at Ravenwold Greenhouses, the MSPCA said.
Nevins Farm’s Mike Keiley worked with his agency’s staff to settle the birds over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and the animals remain under guard by the Methuen Police Department.
“These birds are aggressive and must be housed separately to keep them from attacking each other,” he said. “Cockfighting is an extremely cruel blood sport and we condemn the callous disregard for life shown by those responsible for raising these birds to fight.”
Many birds will be humanely euthanized, said Keiley. Those who are in adoptable condition will be assessed by shelter staff and rehomed if possible.
The Nevins Farm barn remains closed to the public while the animals are at the property.