WATERBURY, Conn. — Investigators say they busted an illegal cockfighting and gambling ring in Waterbury. The ring was attracting people from out of state who bet on deadly bird fights behind closed doors.
Court documents give a glimpse into the illegal underworld.
“It’s outrageous. We don’t really see that too often here in Connecticut,” said Waterbury resident Montel Watson. “But I think it’s crazy.”
On March 2, federal agents and Waterbury police busted a multi-year investigation wide open when they descended on Gasparri Lane for a report of cockfighting and gambling.
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64 fighting roosters were discovered. All of them were too aggressive to be saved. They were confiscated and euthanized.
The warrant reveals investigators also confiscated nearly $12,000 in cash along with bottles of injectable performance-enhancing drugs.
“It’s impossible to really put a figure on how much is taking place because it’s already an underground illegal activity,” remarked Annie Hornish, the state director of the Humane Society of the United States.
Eight men and women were arrested. Six are from Massachusetts while two are from Connecticut. Those arrested range in age from 28 to 79.
Cockfighting is a brutal blood sport where a bird’s most primal instincts are exploited.
“It involves putting two birds with metal weapons attached to their legs together to fight to the death for the sole purpose of profit, gambling and entertainment,” said Hornish.
The dirty, dingy alleyway where the ring was broken up is home to a social club and trucking company. Nearby business owners told us off camera it’s a don’t ask don’t tell policy in the neighborhood.
“A lot of people are scared,” said Watson, who lives just across the street. “They think they are going to be labeled a snitch but I’m a father of five and if you do something around my house, I’m going to say something.”
During the bust federal agents reported “numerous bird boxes” and “could hear “roosters crowing.” When police arrived people “ran from the building," “jumped fences” and “fled the scene.”
“All of us neighbors we’ve been hearing crazy music and we’ve been thinking it’s just a restaurant late at night but come to find out it’s been right behind us,” said Watson.
The suspects are facing animal cruelty and gambling related charges and will be back in court in a few weeks.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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