Cockfighting uncovered: men sentenced following Operation Fauna

Two men have been sentenced after an RSPCA investigation uncovered an illegal cockfighting operation. 

Hugh Steele, aged 53, and Douglas Price, aged 34, both of Poplar Meadow, Sleaford Road, Beckingham, were banned from keeping chickens, cockerels and wild birds for life. At sentencing on March 11, both men were also given jail terms suspended for 12 months and were each ordered to pay £1,000 costs and carry out 150 hours unpaid work.  

Vets who examined birds from the site found that some had injuries and many suffered from having little or no food or water, and from being kept in dark, cramped, dirty pens which put them at risk of disease.

The RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) also dismantled two fighting pits and recovered cockfighting paraphernalia.

Items seized included a treadmill used to boost the cockerels’ strength and stamina and a bag of metal fighting spurs which, if fitted, would inflict more savage injuries on opponents.

Cockfighting has been banned in England and Wales since 1835.

Steele admitted three Animal Welfare Act 2006 offences - being present at a cock fight, failing to get veterinary treatment for a bird’s wounds and failing to treat several others for mites.

Price admitted two offences under the same Act - keeping cockerels for the purpose of fighting and failing to provide adequate food for birds or investigate their poor condition.

After the case, a spokesperson for the RSPCA SOU said: “Many people will be shocked that an activity banned in England and Wales since 1835 still goes on today - and this investigation is a reminder as to the importance of our work in SOU. We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation.

“All of these birds suffered because of the unsuitable conditions they were kept in and the purpose they were being kept for.

“It is a relief we were able to take them away from that and get them the kind of care, medical treatment, food and water they should have been provided with.

“Both men were heavily involved in the cock fighting world and we hope this operation sends a clear message that this activity won’t be tolerated in this country.

“An enormous amount of cock fighting paraphernalia was seized and removed and several vehicles impounded. 

“We will continue to investigate the illegal activities of individuals like these two and our staff will not stop until we bring them to justice. 

“Enormous credit has to be given too to Lincolnshire Police teams and the vets who supported the RSPCA, and we thank them for the skill, dedication and co-operation in organising and executing this inquiry.”

Pictured below, PC James Knychala,  Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Officer for Lincolnshire Police, added: “This was a real team effort showing partnership work at its best. 

“The determination and dedication of those involved was exemplary. Ultimately, the result means serious disruption to the underworld of cock fighting which we believe will be felt across the country.

“It’s illegal and barbaric and has no place in our society. The efforts of our officers and the RSPCA mean that not only have two men been brought before the court, but the further unnecessary suffering of animals has been prevented.”