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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
Man charged with murder of woman after Stoke Newington gas blast
A man has been charged with the murder of a woman fatally stabbed after a gas explosion at her home in north London. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
Telegraph
44 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Palestine Action banned from protesting outside parliament
Palestine Action has been banned from protesting outside Parliament. It comes after Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said he was 'shocked and frustrated' that the group was planning the demonstration. The force has now imposed an exclusion zone around Parliament, with protesters facing arrest if they enter the area. Police have also said any demonstrations by the group in central London cannot begin before 12pm and must end by 3pm. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is expected to announce plans on Monday to proscribe Palestine Action after activists from the group damaged two planes at RAF Brize Norton, at a potential cost of millions of pounds.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Five more arrests made after fatal stabbing of Dale Martin
Police have made five more arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old man in Martin, known as DJ, was pronounced dead in hospital after being attacked in Stenson Road at about 23:45 BST on Sunday 15 Sunday, Derbyshire Police said a 24-year-old man and an 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder following Mr Martin's added a 25-year-old man and 17-year-old boy had also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and another man, 28, arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. All five remained in custody on Monday, police added. The latest arrests follow a number of others made during a police investigation into Mr Martin's 18-year-old men were arrested last week on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old woman was arrested for assisting an other men, aged 24 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of affray in connection with the other men arrested earlier in the week on suspicion of murder remain in police custody.A woman and three men were also arrested on suspicion of affray and remain on bail, police added. Det Ch Insp Claudia Musson said: "We have made a significant number of arrests as our investigation has progressed."Our inquiries are still very much ongoing and we are still appealing for members of the public to contact us with any information relevant to our inquiries."She said she wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen a Renault Megane in the Stenson Road area at the time of the also said they would like to speak to anyone who saw e-bikes or mopeds being ridden in the Stenson Road and Sinfin area – particularly those with a rider and pillion passengers. Police said they were also investigating a linked incident outside The Oaklands pub in Oaklands Avenue, Littleover, at about 18:00 on Sunday 15 June when officers were called to reports of men carrying knives. No one was injured during that incident, police said.
