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Kent Police discover dead birds in cock-fighting probe at farm in Iwade near Sittingbourne

Three men have been arrested after police said they uncovered evidence of animal cruelty and cock-fighting in a raid on an Iwade farm.

Officers discovered up to 170 birds in a converted barn, in Raspberry Hill Lane, along with a suspected fighting ring yesterday morning.

Several dead cockerels - with their combs removed, which is believed to be common in breeding birds for fighting - were also found.

WARNING: Graphic image below

A suspected fighting ring, known as a cockpit, was also found in Iwade
A suspected fighting ring, known as a cockpit, was also found in Iwade

A suspected fighting ring, known as a cockpit, was also found at the site and paraphernalia connected with the training of birds for fighting was also seized.

Kent Police said about 100 wraps of a suspected class A drug, which has been sent off for testing, were found along with a "substantial" amount of cash.

"Countless dead birds were found on the site, suspected to have been involved in illegal cock-fighting..." - DS Pat Holmes

Officers, who have also been working with the RSPCA, discovered several dogs on the site - some of which were suspected to have been stolen and checks are now being carried out to re-home them.

Other dogs were also seized on suspicion of welfare offences in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.

Police searches of suspected stolen vehicles on the site found a number of dead birds hidden in their boots, while it is believed the remains of two dead horses were found near the barn.

A 47-year-old man, from Teynham, and a 20-year-old Swanley man were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, proceeds of crime, possession with intent to supply and a series of theft offences.

A 21-year-old man from Upchurch was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug. All three men have been released on police bailed until April 9 pending further enquiries.

Several dead cockerels - with their combs removed - were found on a police raid on a farm
Several dead cockerels - with their combs removed - were found on a police raid on a farm

DS Pat Holmes, of Kent Police, said: "Officers carrying out a drugs warrant made several grim discoveries at a farm in Iwade yesterday morning.

"While a significant haul of drugs was discovered, as well as a sizeable quantity of cash, countless dead birds were found on the site, suspected to have been involved in illegal cock-fighting.

"Officers also uncovered a barn fully stocked with live birds, which at this stage are believed to have been bred for fighting.

"Kent Police will work with the RSPCA to investigate further and also determine whether dogs and other animals found on the site are stolen or have been subjected to animal cruelty."

Scores of chickens were found in a raid on an Iwade farm
Scores of chickens were found in a raid on an Iwade farm

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