Roosters rescued from cockfighting in Grays Harbor County

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — Nearly 80 roosters rescued from cockfighting in Grays Harbor County are now recovering at a Pierce County sanctuary. 

Heartwood Haven is temporarily caring for the birds, which are said to be in good physical condition but some of the animals have shown signs of aggressive behavior. 

“Whoever was training these guys really messed them up,” said Kate Tsyrklevich, co-founder and executive director of Heartwood Haven. “Some of them are just very, very nice. More scared of you, than you are of them. Others maybe had a tougher time in the past.”

The roosters are being evaluated for adoption into qualified homes. 

“We just make sure that the roosters who are getting adopted are matched up with a family and are going to be really great in the home,” said Tsyrklevich.

The sanctuary was not involved in the initial investigation, and it’s unclear what led authorities to the discovery of the birds. It’s unknown if anyone is facing criminal charges. 

KING 5 requested additional information from the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office.

Last year, Heartwood Haven assisted in the rescue of nearly 200 roosters from two separate cockfighting rings.

“It’s definitely very difficult as a rescue to constantly have to go through that,” Tsyrklevich said. “I feel these cases used to be spread out, that they were in different states… all over the place. Now, it’s one after the next [in] Washington.”

Since 2017, they’ve facilitated the adoption of about 500 birds, the majority of which have been rehomed without issue.

“I do think the large majority will find homes, so you know that’s my hope of them. But the larger hope is that cockfighting no longer exists,” said Tsyrklevich.

For more information about adoption, click here.

Donations to Heartwood Haven, which are being solicited to help care for the roosters, can be made here.