Illegal cockfighting ring dismantled, 71 animals and $100k cash seized By Freya Noble • Senior Producer 4:44pm Dec 14, 2020
An illegal cockfighting ring operating in Sydney's south-western suburbs has been dismantled, with police seizing dozens of animals and more than $100,000 in cash.
NSW Police and RPSCA inspectors busted the alleged syndicate following a joint probe into animal cruelty offences.
A search warrant was executed at a property on Camden Valley Way at Catherine Field about 11am yesterday.
Officers allegedly found a cockfighting area and several large sheds used to house 71 fighting cockerels, as well as metal spikes, spurs and other cockfighting paraphernalia.
Police also seized $107,170 cash and several electronic devices which will undergo further examination.
The animals were seized by RSCPA NSW inspectors and several were taken into veterinary care for serious injuries.
One of these has already been euthanised.
A 35-year-old man from Heckenberg was charged with contravening a prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic) and refused bail to appear at Picton Local Court today.
A 28-year-old Cabramatta man was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and knowingly producing a false or misleading document.
He is due to appear at Picton Local Court tomorrow.
Investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs regarding the visa status of a 56-year-old man.
Inquiries continue.