Star Weekly is taking a look back at 2023. Here’s one of our biggest stories from last year.
More than 200 “mutilated” roosters, allegedly kept for illegal cockfighting, were seized from a Melton property on Friday, April 14.
RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team received a confidential tip-off from a member of the community last week about an illegal cockfighting event at the property.
A warrant was executed on Friday morning as part of an investigation into a suspected cockfighting ring.
According to the RSPCA, many of the roosters were found in poor health. They were found in unsanitary, confined conditions and did not have access to water.
Roosters had also been allegedly mutilated by having their wattle and comb removed, a practice consistent with the purpose of cockfighting.
Multiple RSPCA Victoria staff were involved in assessing the birds including six RSPCA Inspectors and two veterinarians.
RSPCA Victoria major investigations inspectorate team leader Lisa Calleja said cockfighting is an “abhorrent and inherently cruel activity” that leads to the “severe suffering of the roosters used in this bloodsport”.
“The roosters at this location were highly aggressive, and many were kept in cages without access to food or water,” she said.
“The results from today represent a significant disruption to an alleged illegal animal fighting ring. Our investigations from today are ongoing, and we will continue to identify, pursue and prosecute people who breach animal welfare laws in Victoria and whose actions cause harm or suffering to animals.
“This investigation was initiated in response to a tip-off from the community that resulted in the execution of a search warrant under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 on Friday morning.”
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, it is an offence to wound, mutilate, torture, abuse, beat, worry, torment or terrify an animal. It is also an offence for a person to keep, use or assist in the management of premises for the purpose of causing an animal to fight or for the baiting or maltreating of an animal. Offences under the act carry a penalty of up to $92,460 in fines or imprisonment for 2 years.
