YAKIMA, Wash. — A violent prison gang is at the center of a federal bust in eastern Washington.
At a news conference in Yakima on Thursday, agents announced 34 people from across the country are facing criminal conspiracy charges related to drugs, guns, money laundering, trying to kill witnesses and cockfighting.
"Most people are not aware [cockfighting] even exists," said Kate Tsyrklevich of Heartwood Haven in Roy. "It's happening all the time. It's a huge industry and is very prevalent across the whole state."
The Pierce County animal rescue was asked to help seize the birds involved in the cockfighting ring, saving about 60 of them from eastern Washington.
"There were dozens and dozens of birds, some of them were running around," Tsyrklevich said. "The most heartbreaking part is when there is an opportunity for these birds to be seized and placed into loving homes, but nobody is able to help. That's even worse than what they're faced with on a daily basis."
The Heartwood Haven crew traveled back to Roy Thursday night; they're already asking for help on social media. They need to find homes for the roosters and money to care for them in the meantime.
Donations will be used for feed, housing, vetting for transport, health certificates and enclosures needed to safely house the rescued roosters, according to the animal rescue.
For more information and to donate, visit heartwoodhaven.org.