MIRI: Fifteen men have been charged following a police raid on an alleged cockfighting operation at Pulau Melayu, Miri, where officers seized live and dead roosters as well as equipment believed to have been used in the illegal activity.
The suspects, aged between 28 and 74, were arrested during a raid conducted by officers from the Miri district police headquarters at about 3.30pm on Jun 4 after police received information about cockfighting activities at a hut near the Miri Golf Club.
Police said investigations found that all 15 men confessed to being at the location for the purpose of cockfighting.
The men were charged at the Miri Magistrates’ Court on Jun 5 under Section 73(1)(g) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, which carries a maximum penalty of RM2,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The case has been fixed for further mention on Jun 12. All of the accused were released on bail of RM600 each with one local surety.
In a statement, police said they viewed cockfighting seriously because it involved elements of illegal gambling and animal cruelty.
Members of the public with information on such activities are urged to contact IPD Miri at 085-432533 or report the matter to the nearest police station.
