RSPCA investigators described the “illegal and barbaric” cockfighting operation at Sleaford Road, Beckingham, which saw two men handed suspended jail sentences at Lincoln Magistrates Court

RSPCA investigators have described the “illegal and barbaric” cockfighting operation which saw two men handed suspended jail terms.

Hugh Steele and Douglas Price, both of Poplar Meadow, Sleaford Road, Beckingham, were given ten-week jail sentences, suspended for 12 months, and were each ordered to pay £1,000 costs and carry out 150 hours unpaid work.

Steele admitted three Animal Welfare Act 2006 offences — being present at a cock fight, failing to get veterinary treatment for a bird’s wounds and failing to treat several others for mites.

Price admitted two offences under the same Act — keeping cockerels for the purpose of fighting and failing to provide adequate food for birds or investigate their poor condition.

They were also banned from keeping chickens, cockerels and wild birds for life following the charity’s investigation.

Cockfighting has been banned in England and Wales since 1835.

The RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) investigators told the court in statements that, accompanied by Lincolnshire Police and two vets, they searched Poplar Meadow last May.

They described it as a large, gated plot with homes, a service road and outbuildings, with dozens of adult cockerels and hens, chicks and eggs, in wooden pens, enclosures or incubators.

At least one shed had no windows or artificial light and another had slatted metal bar doors for the birds to see out of.

Some had little or no clean water, and two dead chicks lay among a large group of day-old birds roaming a shed.

Another said the building contained a number of cock-fighting paraphernalia, including a treadmill used to boost the cockerels’ strength and stamina.

Vets who examined birds from the site found that some had injuries and many suffered from having little or no food or water, and were being kept in dark, cramped, dirty pens which put them at risk of disease.

A vet’s statement said that of the birds examined, only 41 had food available and 40 had access to clean water. Ten out of 92 enclosures were too small, 46 were too dark, and 77 unclean.

“It was evident from the smell and appearance of multiple enclosures that there were serious hygiene and ventilation issues and a conscientious owner would have identified and rectified this rather than leaving it to accumulate over months to years,” said the vet.

“Birds were not being inspected for injury, poor condition or skin issues as these were apparent on examination of many animals with no apparent remedial treatment.

“Additionally, 23 chickens had current wounds, bruising, or significant historic scarring noted on examination which would be considered an unusually high level of traumatic injury for domestic poultry.”

In mitigation for Steele, the court heard he was remorseful and having bought the cockerels during the Covid-1p pandemic when he had throat cancer, was not competent to care for them.

For Price, it was said he too showed remorse, and that although he accepted responsibility for causing the birds suffering, they were not his - he merely looked after them.

After the case, a spokesperson for the SOU said that the charity was “delighted” with the outcome of the investigation.

“Many people will be shocked that an activity banned in England and Wales since 1835 still goes on today, and this investigation is a reminder as to the importance of our work in SOU,” the spokesman said.

“All of these birds suffered because of the unsuitable conditions they were kept in and the purpose they were being kept for.

“It is a relief we were able to take them away from that and get them the kind of care, medical treatment, food and water they should have been provided with.

“Both men were heavily involved in the cock-fighting world and we hope this operation sends a clear message that this activity won’t be tolerated in this country.

“An enormous amount of cock fighting paraphernalia was seized and removed and several vehicles impounded.

“We will continue to investigate the illegal activities of individuals like these two and our staff will not stop until we bring them to justice.

“Enormous credit has to be given too to Lincolnshire Police teams and the vets who supported the RSPCA, and we thank them for the skill, dedication and co-operation in organising and executing this inquiry.”

PC James Knychala, Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Officer for Lincolnshire Police, added: “This was a real team effort showing partnership work at its best.

“The determination and dedication of those involved was exemplary. Ultimately, the result means serious disruption to the underworld of cock-fighting which we believe will be felt across the country.

“It’s illegal and barbaric and has no place in our society. The efforts of our officers and the RSPCA mean that not only have two men been brought before the court, but the further unnecessary suffering of animals has been prevented.”