Police in central Oklahoma seized 77 roosters from an unscheduled cockfight while responding to a fire incident on Jan. 23, authorities said Monday.

According to NPD, animal protection officers assisting the Norman Fire Department were responding to a barn fire when they discovered “a large-scale rooster removal operation in the immediate vicinity of the fire,” and the Norman Police Department. NPD) was notified. statement.

Officials found nine puppies dead in the fire, but were able to save 77 roosters, the statement said. The rooster was “found in deplorable condition, with evidence of brutal training and exploitation for combat purposes,” the statement said.

Officials plan to transport the rooster to an out-of-state sanctuary for treatment and rehabilitation. The statement said an investigation into “illegal and inhumane activities” was ongoing and criminal charges were pending.

Animal Wellness Action and the Center for Humane Economics announced in a joint statement to the Daily Caller that the sanctuary has been identified as a rooster sanctuary at Danzig's Roost in Bennett, Colorado.

The police investigation, the latest in a series of recent busts, appears to have backfired on efforts by cockfighting advocates to persuade the Oklahoma Legislature to loosen the state's 2002 cockfighting law. The joint statement pointed out that this indicates that the

The joint statement said that since 2002, efforts by cockfighting supporters have “raised awareness of the cockfighting issue and led to what appears to be an unprecedented number of crackdowns.”

Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, said in a statement that the cockfighting community is seeking mitigation measures because it “wants to reduce the risk of arrest and prosecution.” (Related: Woman claims she cut up dog 'to offer sacrifice to God to save humanity', police say: report)

Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt received considerable criticism for the 'tackle'[ing] The moment to cheer [the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission (OGC)] From the sidelines.” Video address for November 2023 It is seen as veiled support for cockfighting. YouTube reportedly deleted the original video indefinitely. Months earlier, the OGC had reportedly unsuccessfully sought to reduce penalties for cockfighting. according to Oklahoman. Authorities had arrested OGC District Director Chance Campo and several others on cockfighting charges in August 2023 at his KFOR report.

OGC is suspected of having donated funds to 34 current Oklahoma legislators, including Governor Stitt, before 2023, but separately from KFOR. report. Some recipients reportedly returned their money after learning more about the group.