Law enforcement in Chickasaw County did not play chicken when busting up a major cockfighting operation.
Authorities responded to County Road 406 in the Buena Vista community on Sunday as part of a multi-agency effort to investigate alleged illegal activity involving animals.
That’s when police reportedly discovered a large-scale cockfighting ring, which ultimately yielded 59 arrests and 164 roosters being seized. The roosters were being used to fight each other, per officials, and those accused of participating in animal abuse are believed to have come from Mississippi and neighboring states including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
Along with the arrests and rooster rescue, officials reportedly confiscated firearms, illegal drugs, and tens of thousands of dollars in equipment at the scene.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting animal welfare and enforcing the laws of the State of Mississippi. The seizure of more than 160 fighting roosters, firearms, narcotics, cash, vehicles, and equipment used in these illegal activities highlights the scope of this criminal enterprise,” Chickasaw County Sheriff Jim Meyers said.
“We are grateful for the outstanding cooperation and support provided by our federal, state, and local partners. Together, we are sending a clear message that organized animal fighting and related criminal activity will not be tolerated in Chickasaw County,” he continued.
Law enforcement officials did not identify those arrested in this case.
