Police officers rescued 150 cockerels from an illegal cockfighting ring near Ness Ziona over the weekend, the Israel Police reported Monday.
They arrived at the scene after receiving a report about animal abuse in the agricultural neighborhood and discovered the caged cockerels. The territorial animals were forced to fight each other while patrons bet money on who the winner would be.
The investigation was led by the Rehovot police in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Ministry, the Agriculture and Raw Food Security Ministry, and the municipal veterinarian. It found evidence of deliberate animal cruelty and organized gambling activities.
Police officers raided the suspected site after staking it out. They detained two foreign nationals and the property owner for questioning.
Illegal cockfighting in Israel
In 2022, two Thai nationals were arrested for running a cockfighting ring near the Gaza border.
Police also arrested six Thai nationals in 2018 for running a cockfighting ring near Kfar Hess in central Israel.
Cockfighting is illegal in Israel, but it is legal in Thailand, where it is a popular tradition for entertainment and gambling.
Aaron Reich contributed to this report.