More than 230 birds were confiscated at a suspected cockfighting ring in Buckley.

According to a Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Facebook post, animal control officers searched a home on the 28000 block of Hinkleman Road, just outside Buckley city limits, on Aug. 1.

Initial reports indicated there were around 140 birds at the home, but that number ballooned to 232 when they started moving the roosters.

“This is the second biggest animal seizure we’ve ever had,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Department PIO Sgt. Darren Moss said, noting the one larger seizure was in Puyallup and involved around 250 rabbits.

Although there was a fighting pit, there appeared to be little evidence the fighting occurred at the home; instead, there appears to be evidence the birds were raised and trained there, and then sent off elsewhere, possibly to Mexico, Moss added.

At least some of the roosters were “altered” — their combs and waddles were cut off to prevent injury during a fight and help the birds fighting longer; also found were weapons associated with cockfighting and veterinary supplies.

Not found was the suspect or suspects, who were not at the home when the search warrant was served; they are currently at large. They are potentially facing several felony charge, including animal cruelty.

In most cases, cockfighting birds have to be euthanized because they’re too dangerous to be around other birds and people; however, some animal shelters are working to place the birds in homes instead,

“This is a great win for our animal control officers as well as our animal lovers in our community,” Moss said.

Weapons like spurs are often affixed to cockfighting birds. Screenshot