4 arrested after deputies find 500 roosters bred for cockfighting at Thurston Co. farm

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty in Yelm, Thurston County, Washington, four family members have been arrested after deputies discovered over 500 roosters bred for cockfighting on their farm. The facility was not only filled with these fighting birds but also housed numerous neglected livestock, including horses, cows, and goats, many of which were emaciated and lacked proper shelter. Joint Animal Services is currently caring for about 60 of the most severely injured roosters, while healthier birds remain at the farm due to a lack of resources for immediate rescue. The operation came to light when an animal volunteer organization reported a photograph showing a starved horse, which revealed the roosters in the background. The arrested individuals, described as two brothers and their two nephews, face felony charges for animal cruelty and training animals to fight, with a judge ordering them to surrender their passports due to concerns about flight risk.

Investigators found a fighting ring on the property, though it remains unclear if fights were being staged there. This incident highlights the severe issues surrounding animal welfare and the critical involvement of local agencies in rescuing mistreated animals. Experts emphasize the need for increased resources and awareness to prevent such cruelty in the future.