In a disturbing development, investigators say they discovered 36 dead roosters buried on a rural property in Allegan County, tied to a suspected illegal cockfighting operation. The case is now under active criminal investigation.
The property in question is registered under 37-year-old Edin Rodas, who now faces multiple felony charges, including animal fighting, torture, and killing. Court documents assert that the site served as the base for an organized cockfighting ring.
The operation was first flagged by the animal-rights group SHARK (Showing Animals Respect & Kindness), which received a tip and used drone footage to capture an alleged live cockfight. The group handed over the video to authorities, aiding in the issuance of a search warrant.
SHARK’s founder, Steve Hindi, remarked that while exposing cockfighting operations often stretches across many states, this is among the first investigations tied to Michigan. He noted that drones are especially effective at revealing otherwise hidden animal cruelty.
When deputies executed the search warrant, they uncovered:
- 36 dead roosters, buried on the property; four of the birds were sent to Michigan State University for necropsies.
- Two additional burial holes containing decomposed remains; investigators documented them but did not excavate further due to the odor and health hazards.
- Implements commonly used in cockfighting: training spurs, syringes (possibly for performance enhancement), wooden clubs, and other specialized tools.
- Evidence that fights were monetized: the affidavit notes an exchange of money, signs of $50 entry fees, and $2,000 cash discovered in a freezer.
The affidavit asserts that Rodas “knowingly possessed an animal for fighting, permitted use of his barn, and collected money for the activities.”
Rodas was arraigned in the 57th District Court on five felony counts related to cockfighting. A preliminary hearing is set for October 8 in Allegan County Court.
While only Rodas is currently detained, SHARK and law enforcement say they have identified ten individuals in the video who appear to be participants or spectators. Authorities are actively working to track and charge any additional suspects.
According to Michigan law, not only hosting or fighting animals, but also placing bets and attending such events is illegal.
