Five Metro Vancouver men have been charged in connection with raids in Surrey, B.C., earlier this year that shut down what police claim was the largest cockfighting ring in Canada.
All the men have been charged with keeping a cockpit.
Three of the five appeared in court Tuesday for a bail hearing and warrants have been issued for the arrest of two more suspects.
Police say all are believed to be connected to three Cloverdale properties raided in February.
During the raids, officers found cockfighting pits, razor-sharp spurs and 1,270 birds.
Some of the cocks were missing eyes, others had head wounds and infected cuts. All of the birds had to be destroyed.
At the time of the February 27th raids, SPCA officials said they hoped charges would be laid against as many as 30 people.
Officials said bets up to $5,000 were wagered on individual fights at the property.
