Police have seized more than 600 roosters as part of an investigation into the activities of an illegal Sydney cockfighting syndicate.
Organised Crime Squad detectives, together with RSPCA NSW, seized 540 roosters during a raid on a property at Horsley Park yesterday.
The raid followed a December raid on a property at Camden Valley Way at Catherine Field in Sydney, where officers uncovered a designated cockfighting area and several large sheds used to house 71 fighting cockerels, as well as metal spikes, spurs and other cockfighting paraphernalia.
Police also seized $107,170 cash and several electronic devices from the premises.
“The animals were seized by RSPCA NSW Inspectors, several of which were taken into veterinary care for serious injuries,” NSW Police said in a statement today.
A 56-year-old man was taken into the custody of the Department of Home Affairs regarding his visa status, while 34 men were detained at the scene and later issued with a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for promote/organise/attend animal fight.
All 34 men remain are next due to appear before Moss Vale Local Court on Thursday, April 1.
