Man charged after gardaí uncover illegal cockfighting operation in Tipperary

Seven roosters and suspected fighting equipment seized during multi-agency operation targeting illegal animal cruelty activity in Tipperary

Several cages were recovered at a residence in Tipperary. Picture: Dan Linehan.

Gardaí have conducted additional searches in Tipperary Town as part of an operation into illegal cockfighting activities.

A garda spokesperson said: "Seven roosters were discovered during the searches, six alive and one deceased. The animals were seized and handed into the care of the NSPCA, who will carry out an assessment."

Several cages were recovered at a residence in Tipperary, along with evidence of cockfighting, controlled medication, steroids, antibiotics, as well as imported illegal substances. 

'Gaff' claws were seized, a device used to tie the legs of a fighting cock.

Following the multi-agency operation, a man aged in his 40s was arrested and conveyed to a Garda station in Co Tipperary.

He has since been charged and is due to appear before Tipperary District Court in Thurles at a later date.

Investigations are ongoing, and gardaí continue to liaise with the Department of Agriculture and other relevant agencies regarding the matter.