Man arrested over suspected illegal cock-fighting event

A man in his 70s has been arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected illegal cock-fighting event.

An Garda Siochana said they are investigating a “suspected animal welfare incident” in Co Monaghan on July 27 2024.

At the time, gardai said they were called to a private residence in Emyvale at around 11am and “a large number of people fled the scene”.

They said when the property was searched, with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, 15 dead roosters were uncovered.

A further 70 roosters and “evidence of suspected cock fighting” were also seized.

The man was arrested on Friday, before being charged and released.

He is due to appear at Monaghan District Court at a future date.