Says Operation Demonstrates That Cockfighters Cannot Hide Criminal Activity and Calls on Congress to Pass FIGHT Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today applauded the coordinated law enforcement operation that dismantled an alleged large-scale cockfighting venture in Tolland, resulting in more than 50 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of birds.
According to multiple news reports, the operation involved the Connecticut State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the Tolland Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office, and other law enforcement partners. Authorities reportedly uncovered the illegal cockfighting operation at a secluded dormant quarry after an extensive intelligence-gathering investigation.
“This operation sends a signal that if you engaged in staged animal fighting, you will jeopardize your freedom,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “Even in an isolated quarry far from public view, law enforcement tracked this criminal enterprise, dismantled it, and rescued hundreds of animals from horrific abuse.”
Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and is a felony under the federal animal fighting law, which prohibits sponsoring or exhibiting animals in fighting ventures and bans the interstate or foreign transport of fighting animals and fighting implements. Animal fighting is frequently linked to gambling, narcotics trafficking, weapons offenses, and other organized criminal conduct.
Reports indicate the Connecticut raid involved tactical teams, air support, and a large-scale coordinated response because of the scope of the alleged criminal activity.
Animal Wellness Action specifically praised the professionalism and cooperation among the agencies involved in the operation.
“We commend the Connecticut State Police and all partnering agencies for treating this crime with the seriousness it deserves,” Pacelle said. “Cockfighting is not a cultural pastime or harmless hobby. It’s organized felony cruelty tied to broader criminal conduct, and the people involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The organization also urged Congress to pass the bipartisan Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking Act (H.R. 3946 and S. 1454), known as the FIGHT Act, which would strengthen enforcement tools against illegal animal fighting operations. The legislation would prohibit online gambling on animal fights, enhance forfeiture provisions, and empower citizens to bring civil actions against violators when authorities fail to act. The FIGHT Act has been co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5).
“The Tolland operation demonstrates both the scale of the cockfighting problem and the importance of giving law enforcement stronger tools,” Pacelle added. “Congress should pass the FIGHT Act immediately to crack down on the criminal networks that profit from animal fighting and cruelty.”
Authorities said hundreds of birds were recovered during the operation and that the investigation remains ongoing. Animal Wellness Action urged law enforcement to turn any surviving birds over to rehoming rescues.
In November 2025, West Haven Police broke up another large cockfighting operation when they discovered over 100 people at a cockfight in that Connecticut city.