Calls for animal welfare to be taken seriously after 'cock fighting' investigation

'During the course of a search, 15 dead roosters were discovered on the property, while a further 70 roosters were seized by a number of Department of Agriculture personnel in attendance,' said a Garda spokesperson. File picture: iStock/Getty Images

A leading animal welfare charity has said that Ireland has a “shameful” problem with animal safety after 15 dead roosters were discovered in Co Monaghan.

Gardaí who were investigating a report of a suspected illegal "cock fighting" event that took place in the county made the discovery on Saturday morning during an operation in Emyvale.

A large number of people fled the scene, but a search warrant was sought and executed by officers at the scene.

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A spokesperson said: "During the course of a search, 15 dead roosters were discovered on the property, while a further 70 roosters were seized by a number of Department of Agriculture personnel in attendance.

My Lovely Horse Rescue co-founder Martina Kenny said that animal abuse was "constant" in Ireland.

“It’s about time that animal welfare is taken seriously in this country," she said. 

"I’m delighted that the guards in Monaghan have taken action, as have the Deartment of Agriculture as well.

"But they really need to all start pulling up their socks and realising that animal welfare is the worst it’s ever been.

“It’s not just [a few] incidents — it’s loads. All over the country.

This country is shameful." 

Ms Kenny said that the issue is “never ending”, adding that the recent introduction of a ban on the XL Bully dog breed is “making things worse”. From February 1, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a certificate of exemption.

She said she was worried about the rise of underground breeding rings in response to the ban.

In a statement, an Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesperson said: “There are strict laws are in place in Ireland to deal with bird-fighting offenders.

“There can be severe penalties for animal fighting and baiting under modern legislation, with the provision for prison sentences of up to five years if convicted on indictment. 

"If evidence of illegal cockfighting does come to light, it is important that those involved face the full rigour of the law so that this barbaric practice can be consigned to the history books where it belongs”.