Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department Raids Suspected Cockfighting Operation

The Humane Society of the United States Provided Initial Tip Leading to Investigation

The Humane Society of the United States praised the Snohomish County Sherriff's Office for its diligence in raiding the Pilchuck Game Farm, a suspected breeding operation for fighting roosters. The owner of the property was arrested and released.

Acting on information provided by The HSUS, the Snohomish County Sheriffs Department and animal control seized 92 birds from the property.

"The Humane Society of the United States commends the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, under Sheriff John Lovick's leadership, and Snohomish County Animal Control for their actions," said Inga Gibson, Washington state director for The HSUS, who assisted with the investigation. "This sends a clear message to the community that animal cruelty and fighting is taken seriously and will not be tolerated."

The crimes of cockfighting and possessing birds for fighting are both Class C felonies in the state of Washington, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and/or a maximum $10,000 fine.

"Law enforcement and animal control agencies across the country are wise to root out underground illegal animal fighting activity," Gibson added. "Aside from the rampant cruelty that the animals endure, there are other criminal activities associated with this crime."

The investigation of the Pilchuck Game Farm follows one of the largest crackdowns on cockfighting in Northwest history (dubbed "Operation Red Rooster" in Oregon and "Operation Tattered Wing" in Washington state), which resulted in more than 50 arrests across the two states last March.

Broadcast-quality cockfighting footage is available at video.hsus.org.

Animal Fighting Reward

The HSUS offers a reward of $5,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of an animal fighter. For more information, call 202-452-1100 or visit humanesociety.org/rewards.

About Cockfighting:

• Tens of thousands of people are involved in cockfighting nationwide.
• Common cockfighting practices include breeding birds for viciousness, drugging them to heighten aggression, and fitting their legs with razor-sharp knives or gaffs resembling ice picks on their legs.
• Law enforcement raids across the country have revealed that cockfights, which are frequently attended by children, often involve gambling and — as a result of the large amount of cash present — firearms and other weapons are also often present.
• Law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs.  
• Breeding and transporting fighting roosters for cockfighting is implicated in the spread of diseases such as Exotic Newcastle Disease, which can decimate the poultry industry.

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.