More than 140 arrested at US cockfight
Law enforcement agents raided an illegal cockfight and arrested 144 people attending what one official said may have been one of the largest such gatherings in the US.
Several Swat teams, helicopters and dozens of state troopers participated in the raid on Saturday on the sprawling Del Rio Cockfight Pit in Newport, Tennessee. They seized about 40,000 dollars in cash and more than 300 roosters.
“Reputedly, this was the largest cockfight in the United States,” said District Attorney Al Schmutzer. “It was becoming open and notorious, and you just can’t stand back and let something operate like that in the community.”
The 144 were each charged with being a spectator to cockfighting, a misdemeanour in Tennessee. If convicted, they face up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a 2,500 dollars (£1,400) fine.
John Goodwin, of the Humane Society of the US, who took part in the raid, said it served notice on those conducting such illegal operations. “I wouldn’t want to be a cockfighter in East Tennessee right now,” he said.
David Webb, a gamecock owner, said he lost more than 20 chickens valued at 150 dollars (£83) each during the raid. “I’ve been around this stuff all my life. Everything I’ve ever known is a chicken fight,” he said.
Newport, next to the Great Smoky Mountains, is 42 miles east of Knoxville.
AP
