Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - Charges are pending against 64 people after an alleged cock fight took place Saturday morning near Etna Green.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers responded to a call from a neighbor who was concerned about suspicious activity at the location.
Conservation Officer Mike Saffen said one dead rooster was recovered from the scene, but none of the live animals was confiscated. The case remains under investigation.
No names were released, but the man accused of organizing the event will be charged with a Class D felony offense of sponsoring an animal-fighting contest, according to Kosciusko County Prosecutor Charles Waggoner. The 63 spectators who were interviewed at the event will be charged with visiting an animal fighting contest, a Class A misdemeanor.
Saffen said there was no money seized and no evidence of gambling when DNR and Indiana State Police officers arrived at the scene. He said only one fight apparently took place prior to police interrupting.
Officers did seize 41 metal spurs as evidence.
Animal fighting contests, including cock fights, are illegal in Indiana. This is the first such arrest in Kosciusko County in more than 20 years, according to officials, who could not recall when any previous arrests occurred.
