**Authorities Break Up Suspected Cockfighting Ring at Lancashire Stables**
A suspected cockfighting ring has been disrupted following a joint operation between police and the RSPCA at a rural stables in Lytham, Lancashire. The intervention came after authorities received intelligence raising concerns over animal welfare at the premises, prompting immediate action from both law enforcement and animal rights officers.
The raid took place on Monday, 12 May, revealing what officers described as “makeshift pits” within the stables—clear evidence suggesting the site had been used to host organised cockfighting events. Cockfighting, an illegal activity that has been banned for over two centuries in England and Wales, has long been associated with brutal animal cruelty and offers significant challenges for investigators due to its underground nature.
Responding to the unusual circumstances, a specialist veterinarian with expertise in caring for exotic birds was called to the scene. This measure was taken to ensure the welfare and handling of the animals were conducted to the highest standard. Authorities seized a total of 27 cockerels from the property, a number of which were found to require immediate veterinary attention due to the conditions they had endured.
During the operation, two men were arrested on suspicion of committing offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Lancashire Police later confirmed that the individuals have been released pending further investigation as part of what is now a widening inquiry into suspected illegal animal fighting operations in the region. Images released by police on social media depicted the rudimentary fighting pits and the birds removed from the scene.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police commented on the raid, stating: “The welfare of animals is of utmost importance, and we are committed to tackling rural crime, whatever form it takes. We discovered clear evidence of organised cockfighting at the location, with a number of makeshift pits. Our officers, working alongside RSPCA colleagues and with the support of an exotic bird specialist, prioritised the care of the animals during the process.”
The spokesperson continued, highlighting the seriousness of the offences: “Cockfighting is not only against the law—it is a deeply cruel act that inflicts unnecessary suffering on animals. Our message is unequivocal: those who involve themselves in such crimes in the countryside should expect to face the full force of the law.”
The RSPCA, who are partnering with the police in the investigation, reinforced their commitment to prosecuting those involved in illegal animal fighting. A representative from the charity stated, “Animal welfare is at the heart of what we do. Exposing and stopping acts of cruelty such as cockfighting remains a top priority. We urge anyone with information on suspected animal fighting to come forward.”
Members of the public were swift to express their shock at the discovery, with many condemning the cruelty and applauding the authorities’ efforts to clamp down on rural crime. Animal rights campaigners also reiterated calls for tougher enforcement and awareness, emphasising that while cockfighting has been legislatively banned for generations, enforcement is essential to stem its covert resurgence.
The incident shines a spotlight once again on the continuing need for vigilance regarding rural and animal-based crime in the UK. With rural areas often facing unique challenges around enforcement and surveillance, the collaboration between police forces, animal welfare charities, and the local community remains vital.
As enquiries continue, police and the RSPCA have appealed to the public for further information that could assist their investigation. The fate of the rescued birds will depend on ongoing veterinary assessments and efforts to rehome them where possible. Meanwhile, the authorities reassure residents that tackling animal welfare crimes will remain a prominent feature of their rural policing agenda.