MORE than 80 people will face court after the RSPCA and police broke up a massive cockfighting ring near Rockbank.
Hundreds of birds and metal spurs were seized from the Rockbank property, less than a kilometre from homes, on Sunday.
Police stopped several men who they said tried to flee. Dozens of cars with men covering their faces were seen leaving the property.
RSPCA officers yesterday destroyed the roosters, which were trained to be aggressive.
Melton’s Detective Sergeant Robert Henley confirmed that the same property was raided on October 22, 2006 when 300 gamecocks were found in cages. At the time the property was deserted. RSPCA senior inspector Daniel Bode said Sunday’s raid was one of the biggest of its kind in Victoria.
He said the birds had suffered “extensive bleeding” and abrasions in cockfights.
“It’s barbaric. These birds suffer massively as a result of this. Obviously, the community and the RSPCA can’t tolerate this.”
The RSPCA found metal barbs that were attached to the birds’ legs during fights.
Brimbank police’s Acting Inspector Tim O’Connor said fights were being staged in large sheds where the birds were also housed. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Police raided the property after receiving information from the public during the past month. People at the fights face maximum penalties of $34,000 in fines and a year in jail.
RSPCA inspector Shannon Walsh said 86 men were issued summonses under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which prohibits anyone attending an event where animals are encouraged to fight.
They will appear before Sunshine Magistrates Court on October 26 and November 2, 9 and 16.
The Sheriff’s Office also clamped four cars and identified $100,000 worth of outstanding fines.
Melton Council confirmed there was no residential dwelling on the property.
Police believe cockfighting could be more widespread, with other properties involved.
