March 1, 2022
Hello Friends,
There is momentous news in our Crush Cockfighting campaign. On Saturday, federal agents and Kentucky State Police descended on a cockfight near Whitesburg, Kentucky. There were lots of various law enforcement vehicles, a helicopter - a full-blown federal bust. See video shot by a local here.
A local newspaper and others posted images, some of which are included in this update. SHARK has been aware of the Whitesburg pit for months, and actually took undercover footage inside the pit. This footage showed children as both attendees and working within the criminal operation. After getting this footage we decided to give the feds time to deal with the operation their way, which finally happened on Saturday.
The stands are full of psychotics of both genders and all ages.
Multiple pits of illegal, deadly cruelty fuel illegal betting and a steady flow of illegal drugs.
While this is terrific news, there’s more. We have word that the federal operation is continuing this morning, which means some Kentucky cockfighters are going to have a very bad day.
The federal operation may continue for some days. For now, here are some images of the Saturday raid to give you an idea of the scope of the operation.
Various law enforcement vehicles in the parking lot
As the handmade sign indicates, these multiple large containers are for the disposal of all the victims of the cruel, cowardly cockfighters.
Illegal food service at cockfights is just one of the ways we're attacking the profit motive.
For your reading pleasure, here are some articles about the ongoing federal efforts.
Eastern Kentuckians named in federal indictments related to cockfighting ring
Cockfighting crackdown sees 13 charged in two federal indictments
Kentucky cockfighting is the worst in the country. Two years ago we could have chosen to nibble away at the fringes of cockfighting in other areas. We could have gone where it would have been easier. Instead, we chose to strike relentlessly at the very heart of the monster, where we had to deal not just with criminal cockfighters, but corrupt, dangerous police who protect them, like Laurel County John Root and Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson.
The last couple of years have been more difficult than we have let on, but this has been our goal. Our efforts showed federal authorities how extensive cockfighting is in Kentucky, and now they have taken action! Cockfighters not just in Kentucky, but virtually everywhere now realize just how serious our Crush Cockfighting campaign is.
This is by no means the end, but is just the beginning. Cockfighting is embedded in so many places throughout the country, but we have successfully struck the heart of cockfighting.
We want to thank all of you for your support of our efforts. A special thanks goes to the Humane Farming Association, which has helped us cover some of the costs of our campaign. We would also like to thank Last Chance for Animals, which has helped to support us for years!
Please remember SHARK going forward because this war of compassion still has a very long way to go. Please keep in mind we are still actively dealing with our other issues like pigeon shoots, rodeos, beagle bred for experimentation and so much more.
We will bring you more news as soon as we are able. Today, however, know that fewer animals will suffer and die in cockfights throughout Kentucky and beyond. With your help, we maintain our efforts, and the number of animals you help save will multiply exponentially. Please donate here.
