MOULTRIE,GA (WALB) - Still in their cages, 40 game cocks are now property of the Colquitt County Humane society. The roosters seized Saturday during a raid on cockfighting operation were bred to fight to death.
"When we arrived they were actively fighting chickens," said CCSO Investigator Shannon Hart.
Our camera was there after Colquitt County deputies served a warrant on the property of Wallace Hurst. Down a long dirt road off Highway 256 is where the cockfighting events took place.
And by all accounts, the venue was spectator friendly with concession stands on site which sold soft drinks and hot dogs.
"They had a big building with an arena set up the center and actual bleachers going around," Hart said.
Investigators saw first hand the brutality of the bloodsport which often involves the use of spurs.
"There were 5 to 6 chickens that were already dead. We recovered a little over 40 birds that were still alive," said Hart.
32 people were arrested. Most of them are charged with a misdemeanor count of party to the crime of cruelty to animals. Some of them traveled from Florida and all over Georgia for the fights.
"They had pay $20 to get in and those who wanted to participate paid $100 a bird," said Hart.
And it's the gambling that netted suspected organizer Wallace Hurst felony gaming and RICO charges along with misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
"A lot of people don't agree with them being charged, but it's illegal," added Hart.
Investigators say they were tipped off about the cockfighting events which have likely gone on for several months. The raid followed a month long investigation.
The majority of those arrested in the raid have been released on bond.
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