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United States Cockfight
News Article Section
by the Connecticut Humane Society

Cockfight Raid in Connecticut

On Saturday, January 31, 1998, more than 100 people were arrested in a Clinton resident’s basement placing bets and watching a series of cockfights. Clinton Police, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Humane Society raided the residence and arrested 115 people who were charged with professional gambling and cruelty to animals.

Police confiscated 46 live fighting gamecocks, five dead gamecocks, and tens of thousands of dollars in cash and several firearms. George Ortiz, who owns the home was also arrested and released on $2,500 bond.

The birds taken during the raid were released to the Connecticut Humane Society to be held in protective custody. The gamebirds, who can be worth between $5,000 to $10,000, are being kept in an undisclosed location in the Society’s care.

Gamecocks, who are bred and raised to be aggressive, have their natural heal spurs cut off and are replaced with razor sharp blades. The birds are then put in an enclosed pit and encouraged to fight until one is slashed to death.

Atty. Richard B. Johnston of the Connecticut Humane Society will be encouraging a prosecution under State Statute 53-247 (c) which is a recently enacted animal cruelty statute making such activities a felony punishable by imprisonment in jail for 5 years and/or a fine of up to $5,000. The Society is also working with the Prosecutor to receive permanent and immediate custody of the birds.