More than 500 roosters bred for fighting were seized from a Yelm, WA, residence on Thursday. Investigators also found and removed neglected livestock animals from the property. The operation involved collaboration with eight animal control agencies across western Washington.

YELM, Wash — Law enforcement agencies in Thurston County seized over 500 roosters bred for fighting during the execution of a warrant on a property in Yelm on Thursday.

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, but has become a growing crime problem in WA. In 2024, Yakima County had to euthanize 60 roosters that were seized from a similar illegal operation near Sunnyside and Granger. Fox Q13 in Seattle even did a feature story on the growing problem.

Deputies say numerous other neglected livestock animals were found on the property and taken into protective care.

Thurston County Sheriff's Office investigators uncovered a large-scale animal cruelty operation on Thursday, finding over 500 roosters raised for cockfighting.T