An illegal cockfighting tournament held in a private arena in a bar in the province of Alicante has been busted by the national police.
On Thursday, 19 men involved in organizing the event were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty in Aspe after 50 police officers raided the scene.
The secret tournament involved about 150 people from Spain and France, who were there to place bets and brawl.
Policia Nacional learned about the contest through social media posts promoting the event and venue.
This is said to be one of the most important illegal cockfighting tournaments in Spain.
The stands were constructed to accommodate 170 seated spectators and 30 standing spectators.
The cockpit fight ring was fully air-conditioned and also had an electronic screen suspended in the center.
Three trophies for potential contest winners were also on display.
When officers searched the participants, they found a 20cm long knife and several doses of cocaine.
The total amount of cash seized was €26,000.
Some attendees admitted that the seriously injured roosters were euthanized and hidden along with the roosters killed in the fight so that police would not find them.
Traces of blood were found both in the ring and in the bird’s “holding area” trash can.
read more:
