LCA Leads Authorities to Largest Cockfighting Bust and Arrest in Nation's History!

76 Felony Arrests by Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

Saturday, May 19th at 1:30 PM, with information provided by LCA's Special Investigations Unit, 150 law enforcement personnel from federal , state and local law enforcement agencies raided a crowded and popular cockfighting arena near Van Buren, Arkansas.



The raid, which led to over 70 felony charges, is the nation's largest cockfighting bust and arrest in history. Bonds were placed from $10,000 to $25,000. The federal search warrant was issued for 10100 Shiloh Road in Crawford County. State indictments include gambling and racketeering; federal indictments are still pending.

LCA is working to put Arkansas out of the cockfighting business! With cockfighting more stringent in each state, specifically neighboring Oklahoma, fighting is ever increasing in Arkansas, with large numbers of people crossing the border to fight where misdemeanor charges and small fines only apply. Cockfighting is a breeding ground for organized crime, i.e. drug dealing and gambling. Arkansas is a pivotal state in the fight against cockfighting. The lawmakers must make cockfighting a felony and LCA will continue to provide necessary investigative work on behalf of all animals.

Cockfighting is a cruel bloodsport that involves the placing of two roosters in a pit to fight. Cockfighting roosters harnessed with razors are forced to fight to the death; the roosters that survive are inflicted with broken bones, punctured lungs, and gouged eyes. Currently, cockfighting is a felony in 33 states and is still legal in Louisiana.

LCA's Special Investigations Unit successful undercover operations are made possible by your support. Thank you for helping the animals.