A Grim Discovery in Yelm: 500 Roosters and Starving Animals Found in Cockfighting Bust
In a shocking discovery, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office uncovered a large-scale cockfighting operation on a property in Yelm, Washington, this week. Investigators and animal service agencies found approximately 500 roosters bred specifically for cockfighting, along with dozens of starving horses and goats. The gruesome scene also revealed blade-like weapons and drugs labeled for use in cockfighting, painting a disturbing picture of animal abuse and criminal activity.
The investigation began after an animal welfare group photographed an emaciated horse on the property. The image, which also showed roosters tethered to barrels in the background, sparked a month-long probe involving surveillance and aerial photography. On Thursday, when authorities served a search warrant, they found the horse from the photo deceased, apparently dragged into vegetation. The roosters were either staked to the ground or locked in cages across the property, and several had been mutilated to enhance their fighting abilities.
Lt. Mike Brooks of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office described the brutality of the operation, stating, “They mutilated the birds to enhance their fighting ability.” Blades, known as gaffs or slashers, were discovered on the property—these weapons are often strapped to roosters’ legs during fights. Additionally, drugs, including one labeled “antibiotics for cockfighting,” were seized. Brooks emphasized that these findings, combined with the housing conditions of the roosters, were consistent with cockfighting operations.
The Bigger Picture: Organized Crime and Animal Cruelty
Sam Moore, founder of the Washington State Animal Fighting Task Force, was on the scene and noted that such operations are disturbingly common. “The biggest thing we see is gambling. Anything to do with money. Unfortunately, we also see a lot of drugs, a lot of guns, sex trafficking, and child endangerment,” Moore said. She explained that cockfighting is often tied to organized crime, with high-stakes betting and the sale of prized bloodlines for fighting birds. This bust was one of the largest Moore has seen in at least four years, highlighting the scale of the criminal enterprise.
Moore also emphasized that the larger the property and the more connections involved, the higher the likelihood of additional criminal activity. She expressed hope that the public will continue to report suspicious activities, as tip-offs have led to increased busts in recent months. The Washington State Gambling Commission operates an anonymous tip line, which Moore encouraged people to use if they suspect illegal activity.
A Collaborative Effort to Combat Animal Cruelty
The investigation and rescue efforts in Yelm were a collaborative endeavor involving multiple agencies. Joint Animal Services, Regional Animal Services of King County, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County, Save A Forgotten Equine (SAFE), Center Valley Animal Rescue, and Edmonds Police Department all contributed to the operation. Rescuing and rehabilitating the animals, particularly the starving horses and goats, will require significant time and resources, but the collaboration ensures the best possible outcome for the victims of this operation.
Recent Cockfighting Busts in Washington State
The Yelm bust is not an isolated incident. In April 2024, Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies raided a property in Buckley, rescuing hundreds of birds, including over 140 roosters, believed to be groomed for cockfighting. Video evidence from the scene supported suspicions of illegal activity. In August 2024, a major bust in Eastern Washington dismantled a cockfighting and drug distribution ring operated by the violent prison gang La Nuestra Familia. The operation spanned Yakima and Spokane counties and extended into Louisiana, Colorado, and Arkansas. Heartwood Haven, a Pierce County animal sanctuary, took in about 40 birds rescued from the operation.
In another disturbing incident in May 2024, dozens of roosters destined for a farm animal sanctuary in Pierce County were allegedly shot and killed by Yakima County Sheriff’s deputies and Animal Control after being seized from a cockfighting ring. These cases underscore the prevalence of animal fighting in Washington State and the need for continued vigilance and action.
See Something? Say Something
Animal fighting is a felony in Washington State, and authorities are urging the public to report suspicious activities. If you witness or suspect illegal animal fighting, you can anonymously submit a tip to the Washington State Gambling Commission via their website. Moore and other officials stress that public awareness and cooperation are crucial in combating these crimes, which often involve more than just animal abuse—frequently, they are tied to gambling, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses.
The Yelm bust serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of animal cruelty and its connection to organized crime. By speaking up and working together, the community can help bring these criminal operations to light and ensure justice for the animals exploited in such brutal activities.
