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Last updated on Friday, June 14, 2013
(SPENCER) - A Spencer man is facing charges after police seized more than 77 birds used in a cockfighting operation on his property.
26-year-old Jeffrey Russell Pierce was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing fighting animals, promoting an animal fighting contest and possessing animal fighting paraphernalia.
Police believe Pierce also sold the birds in threes for $300.
Law enforcement, gaming officials and animal rights workers found dead roosters and birds requiring medical attention. Workers noted the birds had no access to water.
The animals were transferred to a temporary shelter for medical care.
The seizure followed a two-month investigation launched by the Indiana Gaming Control Division.
"If it wasn't for illegal gambling, animal fighting wouldn't happen," said Larry Rollins, a investigator with Indiana Gaming Control Division.
Those who live near Pierce say the 26-year-old did very little to hide his criminal activities.
Pierce was being held at the Owen County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond.
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