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Two held in raid on organised cock-fighting

Jonny Humphries
BBC News, Lancashire
Lancashire Constabulary Six cockerels housed in individual cages constructed out of wire mesh and a corrugated roof panelLancashire Constabulary
Twenty-seven cockerels were seized by police after raids at a stables in Lytham

A stables was raided by police and 27 cockerels seized after tip-offs about suspected organised cock-fighting in Lancashire.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of animal welfare offences after the operation by Lancashire Police and the RSPCA at a site in Lytham on Monday.

Officers found several "makeshift pits" used for the illegal sport, which involves the birds being goaded into fighting to the death in bouts which spectators then gamble on.

The force said it had sought assistance from a specialist bet who found some of the cockerels needed medical attention.

Lancashire Constabulary A pit inside a corrugated metal structure, surrounding by wooden panelsLancashire Constabulary
A suspected makeshift cock-fighting pit

The two men were questioned and have since been released under investigation while inquiries continue, the force said.

It added: "Cockfighting is not only illegal but deeply cruel."

Cockfighting has been illegal in England and Wales for more than 200 years.

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