Organizations raise concerns about alleged cockfighting and animal abuse in Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Drone footage from the California-based Humane Farming Association and Illinois-based organization Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) allegedly captures signs of animal abuse in Monterey County.
SHARK representatives say they are concerned that a law enacted in 2016 to thwart cockfighting is not being enforced in many areas. The President and Founder of SHARK Steve Hindi says they have filed a lawsuit against the county.
The drone video images depict rows upon rows of what appear to be cages holding animals such as roosters around places like residential areas. According to the HFA and SHARK, the legal capacity for roosters at any property is 5 unless the owner has a special permit. Hindi says the drone footage proves many of the areas captured could be holding hundreds.
“Hundreds of roosters means almost inevitably that they’re supplying cockfighting, cockfighting also invites other forms of criminal behavior including money laundering, prostitution, gangs, weapons, illegal drugs," says Hindi.
Hindi explains they sent out their drones for footage months prior but returned for footage after getting calls and complaints from locals. He says cows and horses were also captured on the videos in seemingly unhealthy physical state or living conditions, which he adds was reported to the SPCA in Monterey County.
Beth Brookhouser with the SPCA for Monterey County says they did receive those reports, adding they have spoken with investigators and are looking into those incidents. Brookhouser says community members should also be on the lookout.
“If you know of a property that has over five roosters, please call Monterey County Animal Services with the address so they can follow up. If you see a cock fight in progress or know if one is starting, call 911," says Brookhouser.
KION reached out to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office for comment and is waiting to hear back for more details.
