Police seek cockfighting leads

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The Hawaii Police Department is asking for the public’s help providing information about cockfighting.

The Hawaii Police Department is asking for the public’s help providing information about cockfighting.

Cockfighting involves attaching razor-sharp gaffs to the legs of roosters, which then are left to fight one or more opponents until all but one are either dead or so savagely wounded they cannot continue. The season for this illegal activity traditionally runs from Thanksgiving through the July 4 weekend. People who participate are subject to arrest for gambling, cruelty to animals and possession of gambling records, police said.

The public can report any information about scheduled fights, their locations, or people involved by calling Detective Chad Taniyama in West Hawaii at 326-4646 ext. 271 or Lieutenant Burt Shimabukuro at 961-2253. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.