Fifteen dead roosters and seventy live ones have been seized by gardaí in Co Monaghan as part of an investigation into suspected illegal cockfighting in the county.
The investigation was launched after gardaí received a report last Saturday morning of a suspected illegal cockfighting event allegedly taking place at a private residence in Emyvale.
When gardaí reached the premises a large number of people immediately fled the scene.
Gardaí then obtained a search warrant to search the residence under Section 45 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act.
It was during that search that 15 dead roosters were discovered, while a further 70 roosters were seized by a number of Department of Agriculture personnel in attendance.
Evidence of suspected cockfighting was also seized.
Gardaí based at Monaghan Garda Station are conducting the investigation and are liaising with officials in the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.
Anyone with any information that can assist gardaí with this investigation are asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
