Deputies Hope Cockfighting Bust Sends Message

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office released new details of a cockfighting ring bust at a news conference Monday. 

The Sheriff’s Office stated a total of 85 people were charged with cockfighting in the Sunday morning raid at a home at 20 Hades Hill Road. Deputies seized $15,854 dollars during the raid.

Officials said several concerned citizens tipped them off to the fighting.

At the home, they found what the Humane Society of the United States calls one of the biggest cockfighting rings in South Carolina.

A total of 145 birds were turned over to Greenville County Animal Care Services. 

Behind the home, deputies found several cockfighting pits, including one the size of a swimming pool, where people were fighting the roosters. 

However, one chicken cockfighter says its a sports he enjoyed.

"I'm a chicken cockfighter," said Charles Stanley. "I like it for the sport. It’s a good sport and something to do."

Animal Rights groups that were at the scene, said there was nothing good about what was taking place at the home. 

"They were going to put steel weapons on their legs, so they can tear (each other) to pieces," said John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States.

One cockfighter told News Channel 7 that he had 300 Gamecocks at his home and he is not getting rid of them. But for the meantime, deputies hope that this bust will send a strong message to people in Greenville County that cockfighting will not be tolerated.

There were several people who were cited at the fight from neighboring states and those who were cited were cited for cockfighting and making unlawful bets.

Cockfighting is a misdemeanor crime in South Carolina according to GCSO investigators. The crime carries up to a one year prison term and a $1,000 fine 

The U.S. Humane Society ranks SC as having the 44^th toughest laws. It’s a misdemeanor to engage in or be a spectator of cockfighting, however it’s legal to own birds or equipment used for cockfighting.

Here’s how the Humane Society ranks other states in our region:

• Florida 3^rd – felony for engaging, watching, or owning birds and equipment
• Georgia 34^th – felony for engaging, but legal to watch or own birds and equipment
• North Carolina 36^th – felony for engaging, but legal to watch or own birds and equipment
• Tennessee 40^th – misdemeanor to engage, watch or own birds, but legal to own equipment

Sen. Larry Martin of Pickens is sponsoring a bill to make cockfighting a felony in the state.

The Humane Society of the United States offers rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting, just call 877-TIP-HSUS (877-847-4787.)