Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, March 29, 2018
(BROWN CO.) - Three people were arrested following a large cockfighting bust where birds were seized from a home on Grandview Road.
Officials with the Indiana Gaming Commission confirm 142 birds were seized as part of the bust.
Police arrested Randall Herrin, Mark Herrin and Darina Herrin on one count each of promoting an animal fighting contest and purchasing an animal for use in an animal fighting contest - both Level 6 felonies.
The investigation began in October 2017 in both Indiana and Kentucky.
On Wednesday law enforcement served two search warrants in Brown County and Bartholomew County where 142 birds were recovered with the help of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). One hundred of those birds were recovered at the Grandview Road location.
Police say the birds were allegedly being bred and trained in Indiana and taken to Kentucky to fight because the crime is only a misdemeanor in Kentucky but a felony in Indiana.
Officers conducted surveillance on multiple occasions between December and March near Mark and Darina Herrin's property at 9113 Grandview Road, according to a probable cause affidavit by Gaming Control Officer Rudy Perez. Officers also attended a cockfight on the property of Mark Herrin, in Morgantown, Kentucky. Police say the men were working the concession stands and weigh in areas.
"These operations are brutal and barbaric. I mean, the things they do to these animals for profit and entertainment is just sickening to be honest," said Tim Rickey with the ASPCA.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.