Vic cockfighting operation raided by RSPCA

WHAT DID THE RAID INVOLVE?

* 75 roosters allegedly groomed for cockfighting were found and removed from the property, along with an additional 119 birds including chicks, mature hens and juvenile roosters.

* Equipment designed for cockfighting was also discovered and taken by authorities.

* The property owner is eight years into a 10-year ban, prohibiting them from being in charge of poultry before November 2022.

*The raids involved the RSPCA, Victoria Police, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Brimbank City Council.

* RSPCA staff included seven inspectors, two veterinarians and one animal attendant.

WHAT IS COCKFIGHTING?

* Cockfighting is illegal in all Australian states and punishable by law.

* Anyone found guilty of keeping, using or assisting in the management of a premises for the purpose of animal fighting, or encouraging animal fighting could face up to two years in jail.

* Cockfighting involves roosters being bred specifically to fight and trained to aggressive. The grooming of the animals often involves painful procedures such as wattle/comb and spur removal (the flesh at the top of their heads and under their beaks).

* Cockfighting puts the animal at risk of severe pain, injury and possible death.