Pierce County Sheriff’s Department seizes over 200 birds from cockfighting operation in Buckley [Video]

BUCKLEY, Wash. — Deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department seized over 200 birds from an illegal cockfighting operation in Buckley.

The 232 roosters, hens and chicks were recovered from the property Aug. 1. In addition to the hundreds of birds, officials discovered a fighting pit, multiple knives, medication and altered birds on the property.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s department, there are multiple factors investigators look for when searching the scene of an apparent cockfighting operation. They test the area for blood, try to identify roosters that have been altered and find tools used in fighting, such as spurs and knives.

Due to the large amount of birds, several agencies were called in to assist the sheriff’s department, including Metro Animal Services, City of Tacoma Animal Control, King County Animal Control, …