The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has fronted a successful operation against cockfighting in New York.

One of the largest of its kind, “Operation Angry Birds” targeted multiple secret locations in Brooklyn and Queens and resulted in nine arrests and more than 3,000 birds rescued. There are large sums of money involved in the illegal and cruel activity with spectators being charged for entry, more if they want a seat, and bets of up to £6,000 being placed on which bird will kill the other.

The state Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman commented “Cockfighting is a cruel, abusive and barbaric practice that tortures animals, endangers the health and safety of the public and is known to facilitate other crimes”.