Illegal Breeding Operation with 350 Fighting Cocks and a Clandestine Operating Room Disrupted in Campanet

The Civil Guard has investigated three individuals in Campanet for alleged animal abuse and professional intrusion after discovering 350 fighting cocks, 70 of which were injured, and surgical equipment for mutilation.

The Civil Guard has dismantled an illegal operation in Campanet dedicated to the breeding and training of fighting cocks. Officers from the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), supported by the Canine Unit, searched a rural property where they found nearly 350 specimens of the Spanish Combatant breed.

Of these, more than 70 cocks showed severe injuries and clear signs of having participated in illegal fights. Inside the property, investigators found a fighting ring with clear evidence of regular use for organising clandestine confrontations.

The most alarming discovery occurred in two rooms of the property, where an arsenal of veterinary medicines, instruments, and surgical materials were stored without any control or official qualifications. According to the investigation, the three individuals acted as fake veterinarians to mutilate the combs and wattles of the animals, replace and fit artificial or modified spurs, and treat severe injuries sustained in fights behind closed doors.

SEPRONA proceeded to immediately seize the 70 injured cocks, as well as all the surgical and pharmaceutical materials found on the property. The proceedings have already been sent to the competent court.

The Civil Guard keeps the operation open and does not rule out further charges or arrests in the coming hours. The property, located in a rural area of Campanet, has been sealed off pending further judicial actions.

This case highlights the persistence of illegal animal abuse practices linked to cockfighting, an activity banned in Spain since 2002. The animal protection association AnimaNaturalis has expressed satisfaction with the police action and hopes that those responsible receive the maximum penalty.

Residents of Campanet have expressed shock at the news. Some claim to have heard noises and crowing from the property, but could not imagine the extent of what was happening there. The Town Hall of Campanet has offered to collaborate with the Civil Guard to clarify the facts and prevent similar situations from recurring.

The investigation remains open to determine whether the seized cocks can be relocated to shelters or animal sanctuaries. For now, the 70 injured specimens are receiving veterinary care at a location not disclosed for safety reasons.