“Poultry Show” masks cockfighting event according to Georgia officials

THOMASTON, Ga. (AP) – Law officers in Middle Georgia say they arrested 45 people at the site of what they said was a cockfighting event which had been advertised as a “poultry show.”

Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore tells WSB-TV that a fighting pit and other evidence of cockfighting was found on property where the suspects had gathered Saturday.

Kilgore said the evidence includes a blood-covered gaff – a steel spike attached to a fighting chicken’s leg to inflict injury on an opponent.

Kilgore said deputies arrived just before the event after receiving a tip.

Kilgore said 44 adults and one juvenile were arrested. He said all have been charged with criminal attempt to commit cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor.

Upson County is about 60 miles south of Atlanta.