The Scottish SPCA has said that incidents of the brutal practice are very rare
The Scottish SPCA has confirmed that cases of cockfighting have been reported in Scotland,
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said that a small group of individuals are involved in the brutal practice.
“We are aware of previous incidents in Scotland where cockerels have shown injuries consistent with cockfighting," he said.
"Even those these types of incidents are thankfully very rare, we are aware they do occur and that is a very small group of individuals who are involved in cockfighting. We would like to stress that this is not a widespread occurrence.
"We will continue to actively target those involved in this animal fighting and we urge members of the public to call us, even anonymously, to raise any concerns they might have.
“Anyone with information relating to animal fighting should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
This week, we reported that reports of cockfighting across the UK have hit a five-year high.
The RSPCA has said that there were 60 recorded incidents or calls reporting the illegal practice. In 2012, there were 45 calls made.
Cockfighting – which has been illegal since 1835 – sees owners pit cockerels against each other in brutal battles to the death.
Mike Butcher, RSPCA chief inspector, said that the practice was growing among certain groups.
He said: “The area with a growing number of incidents seems to be within the British-born Pakistani communities, it seems to be something growing among some groups in that community.
“I have no idea why that is but it is an activity that goes on in Pakistan, where it is not policed, and that seems to be reflected over here too, where it is policed.”
