Michigan Humane Society investigating suspected cockfighting in Southwest Detroit

About 80 birds recovered with some already dead

DETROIT – “We are here today investigating what we believe is suspected cockfighting,” said Elise Ramsey of the Michigan Humane Society.

The MHS and Detroit police served a search warrant Tuesday at a home on Thaddeus Street in Southwest Detroit after they got a tip. The home is suspected of cockfighting breeding and being a training center.

Police say about 80 birds were recovered with some already dead.

“It is an extremely brutal gruesome torturing sport,” said Ramsey. “Cockfights are short and to the death. It is cultural, it is a four-year felony."

The investigation is ongoing.

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About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.