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.