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Two people investigated over alleged mutilation of fighting cocks in Torre Pacheco
The Murcia residents stand accused of running cockfights and illegally keeping goldfinches
Two residents of Torre Pacheco are under investigation after officers uncovered what they believe to be evidence of cockfighting and the illegal possession of protected birds.
The investigation was launched by the Guardia Civil after its nature protection unit, Seprona, received information about the presence of fighting cocks and finches at a property in the municipality. When officers attended the address, they found several birds kept in cages.
According to the Guardia Civil, the Spanish fighting roosters showed clear signs of having been prepared for combat. Their combs had been mutilated and their wattles crudely trimmed, a practice commonly linked to organised cockfighting.
Officers also reported that the birds’ spurs had been shaved to increase the injuries inflicted during fights. Some of the roosters were found with traces of blood on their spurs, which investigators say suggests they had recently taken part in bouts.
As a result, the two individuals are being investigated on suspicion of animal abuse.
During the same inspection, officers discovered two goldfinches. The species is protected under European, national and regional legislation, and both the capture and possession of goldfinches are prohibited. Investigators believe the birds may have been taken from the wild or acquired through the black market trade in protected species.
The pair are also being investigated for an alleged offence against flora and fauna relating to the illegal possession of protected birds.
Also this week in Murcia, two other people have been fined after cages full of puppies, cats and birds were found in the boot of their car. The duo was allegedly breeding expensive pedigree animals without a licence to sell on the black market.
Image: Guardia Civil
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