drkralc
07-08-2005, 08:33 AM
In SC they give the birds back....
Investigators give seized roosters back
Associated Press
FLORENCE--Most of the roosters seized during a cockfighting raid earlier this month in Chesterfield County have been returned to their owners, Sheriff Sam Parker said.
Deputies didn't want to return the animals, but had no choice because the county didn't have the money or ability to shelter and feed the dozens of birds, Parker said.
"It's a high-dollar industry," Parker said of the roosters that can sell for as much as $3,000. "Considering how much they're worth, I'm sure their owners are going to take adequate care of them."
The sheriff's office isn't comfortable returning the roosters to their owners, but had no other way to keep the birds alive until an upcoming court date when a judge will decide the roosters' fate, Parker said. "It's just a no-win situation," the sheriff said.
Roosters seized in cockfighting raids generally are euthanized, said Joe Pentangelo, a spokesman for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York, where cockfighting is a felony.
"Experience has taught us that no rehabilitation is possible," Pentangelo said.
"Their instinct to fight has been exploited and perverted to such an extent that they can't be rehabilitated."
The birds are never returned to their owners or promoters in New York state. "The ASPCA feels this activity should be dealt with in the strictest possible way," Pentangelo said.
About 80 people were arrested Saturday when deputies raided a wooded area near McBee. Deputies found about 100 roosters at the site. Thirteen of them were dead and another eight went unclaimed.
Investigators took pictures of the birds before returning them, the sheriff said.
Investigators give seized roosters back
Associated Press
FLORENCE--Most of the roosters seized during a cockfighting raid earlier this month in Chesterfield County have been returned to their owners, Sheriff Sam Parker said.
Deputies didn't want to return the animals, but had no choice because the county didn't have the money or ability to shelter and feed the dozens of birds, Parker said.
"It's a high-dollar industry," Parker said of the roosters that can sell for as much as $3,000. "Considering how much they're worth, I'm sure their owners are going to take adequate care of them."
The sheriff's office isn't comfortable returning the roosters to their owners, but had no other way to keep the birds alive until an upcoming court date when a judge will decide the roosters' fate, Parker said. "It's just a no-win situation," the sheriff said.
Roosters seized in cockfighting raids generally are euthanized, said Joe Pentangelo, a spokesman for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York, where cockfighting is a felony.
"Experience has taught us that no rehabilitation is possible," Pentangelo said.
"Their instinct to fight has been exploited and perverted to such an extent that they can't be rehabilitated."
The birds are never returned to their owners or promoters in New York state. "The ASPCA feels this activity should be dealt with in the strictest possible way," Pentangelo said.
About 80 people were arrested Saturday when deputies raided a wooded area near McBee. Deputies found about 100 roosters at the site. Thirteen of them were dead and another eight went unclaimed.
Investigators took pictures of the birds before returning them, the sheriff said.