The Thurston County Sheriff's Office said during a search warrant at an unidentified location in "the Yelm area," hundreds of roosters were seized along with "numerous neglected livestock animals" that were taken into protective care, according to a social media post.

More than 500 roosters bred for fighting were seized from a Yelm, WA, residence on Thursday. Investigators also found and removed neglected livestock animals from the property. The operation involved collaboration with eight animal control agencies across western Washington.

Thurston County authorities recover 500 roosters raised for cockfighting in Yelm, highlighting animal cruelty concerns.

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, but has become a growing crime problem in WA. In 2024, Yakima County had to euthanize 60 roosters that were seized from a similar illegal operation near Sunnyside and Granger. Fox Q13 in Seattle even did a feature story on the growing problem.

Four family members will face a judge on Friday after being arrested at a farm in Yelm where sheriff’s deputies found more than 500 roosters being raised for co