A year-long case by the Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) resulted in the conviction of a Washington resident involved in an animal fighting operation.
In a recent JASCOM meeting, JASCOM Field Supervisor Sierra Teas reported that Martin Stanley Peter was convicted of two felony charges related to animal fighting in the state of Washington. Peters pled guilty to the Advancement of Animal Fighting, a Class C felony, and Mutilation of an Animal in Furtherance of Animal Fighting, a Class B felony.
As part of his sentence, Peters was placed under home detention for 42 days on two concurrent terms. He was also ordered to pay USD 11,118.75 in restitution, USD 10,118.75 of which was allocated to animal services.
The investigation began in 2023 when JASCOM received an anonymous tip about eight roosters tethered at a property in unincorporated Thurston County.
The informant claimed the roosters were used for cockfighting and being transported across the country.
JASCOM Field Supervisor Sierra Teas and Field Officer Northrup, accompanied by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Deputy Burton-Crow visited the property a few days later. The officers were able to access the site due to a yard sale taking place.
They conducted a welfare check and discovered around 40 roosters tethered to structures, many of which showed signs consistent with cockfighting. An additional 23 chickens were found in various enclosures.
After documenting evidence, Burton-Crow obtained a search and seizure warrant. JASCOM and TCSO returned to the property, and 63 chickens were seized and transported to JASCOM for care.
Among the chickens, 38 roosters had mutilated wattles, combs, and earlobes, while 30 had sharpened spurs. Dr. Walsh, a veterinarian experienced with cockfighting cases who works with JASCOM, confirmed that the roosters exhibited signs of being used for cockfighting.
Following the seizure, a legal process determined that Peters would not retain ownership of the animals. The roosters were transferred to Rooster Haus and Center Valley Animal Rescue.
Despite Peters’ conviction, JASCOM noted that Washington’s animal fighting laws do not include a provision prohibiting the convicted individual from owning animals in the future.
