How to Investigate Suspected Cock Fighting

The practice of breeding chickens for competitive fights is considered immoral by most people and illegal by most governments. Governmental agencies and non-profit groups have been set up to combat the problem, but to do their jobs, they rely on tips and information from concerned citizens. To do your part to help fight animal cruelty, investigate suspected cock fighting rings in your area and report your findings to the proper authorities.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Camera or video recorder

1. Look for the warning signs of an illegal cock fighting operation. Chickens are often raised in cramped, overpopulated and unsanitary quarters. Watch for stacks of cages and piles of feathers or chicken feces.
2. Watch for paraphernalia used in cock fights. Cock fighters need mobile cages to transport chickens from the breeding grounds to the rings. Additionally, cock fighters use metal spurs or pieces of barbwire to arm their chickens before the fights.
3. Keep detailed notes while you investigate. Record specific information about the evidence you uncover, along with important dates and specific addresses.
4. Take pictures or videos of any suspected offenses. This might be difficult, as criminal cock fighters are usually very protective of their secrecy, but incontrovertible photographic evidence can help make a strong case.
5. Ask neighbors whether they've noticed anything you could use in your case. Maybe they've heard incessant clucking throughout the night or seen crowds of cock fighting enthusiasts showing up for the tournaments. Chances are good that someone else in the neighborhood has witnessed some suspicious activities you can use in your investigation.
6. Infiltrate a cock fighting operation by attending the matches. This might be a risky move, but the firsthand evidence you could acquire could help to make a strong case. Take precautions to protect your identity and prepare to see some possibly grisly, unsettling sights.
7. Contact your local police to report the results of your investigation, and get in touch with non-profit organizations that help to fight animal cruelty. Some of the most influential groups include the ASPCA and the Humane Society (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Report the results of your investigation anonymously. Your tips could lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal cock fighting operations, so take precautions to protect your identity from thugs who might do you harm.
• Be careful when you investigate suspected cock fighting operations. Cock fighters can often be dangerous criminals.