Animal Control Officers Rescue Birds

Animal control officers swooped in on two homes in Mountlake Terrace and found nearly 100 birds being raised to fight to the death.

Animal control officers checking on a report of dogs fighting heard roosters crowing and then stumbled onto what they called a training facility for an illegal cockfighting ring.

A truck full of chickens was rescued from the backyards of two Mountlake Terrace homes.

Animal rights activists said the birds from the houses were used in a bloody cock fighting ring.

"I see animal that are naturally peaceful and social turned into killing machines and there is no hope for these roosters," said Mark Steinway of Pasado's Safe Haven.

MORE ON THIS STORYPasado's Safe Haven Website

Neighbors said they heard the roosters crowing but were surprised to hear they may have been used in illegal gambling activity.

Fifty-five birds had to be euthanized and 44 birds will be taken to Pasado's Safe Haven to be taken care of.