Thirteen men aged between 31 and 56 were arrested on Sunday in Loures, Lisbon district, for promoting cockfighting and illegal gambling at a former slaughterhouse, Lisbon’s PSP said on Tuesday.
According to the PSP, in addition to these detainees, 17 other men were accused of committing the same crimes, subject to identification and residence permits, and two minors were noted by the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth who were present. People are in danger.
Following investigations in recent months, the PSP arrested “a group engaged in the illegal practice of cockfighting using cash bets” at the scene of the crime on Sunday.
Roosters participating in fights were decorated with metal tips of their beaks and spurs to inflict more physical damage on the enemy.
Authorities seized 42 animals, which were handed over to the Animal Welfare Association, seven thousand euros, shipping boxes adapted for chickens, scales and a brooder.
The PSP seized a battery and battery cables that were “used to slaughter wounded animals,” as well as various medications and surgical scissors.