Drone video shows alleged cockfighting operation, Cullman County now investigating

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Cullman County Animal Control is now investigating alleged animal cruelty after WBRC obtained drone video of what advocates say looked like an illegal cockfighting operation.

The man who shot the video tells WBRC something needs to be done, while a family member of the property owner says there was no crime committed.

“We saw a number of people carrying live birds in, or dead, and dying birds out,” said Steve Hindi, president of the organization Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (S.H.A.R.K).

Hindi’s drone video from last Saturday shows several trailers, people walking in and out of a building with what appears to be chickens, and a shot of what appears to be an injured animal moving in the bed of a truck.

“Birds that have been gravely injured are left to suffer,” said Hindi.

Hindi is located in Illinois but travels across the country to gather evidence of alleged animal cruelty cases.

“Cockfighting is illegal throughout the country, including Alabama, but unfortunately Alabama has, I guess, the weakest laws in the country,” he said.

The animal rights advocate claims the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has been slow to respond to his claims of illegal activity.

After calling two days in a row, WBRC visited the sheriff’s office for clarity where our team learned there is an alleged cockfighting investigation.

No arrests have been made and Cullman County Animal Control is taking the lead.

“We take every report of animal cruelty very seriously, and will continue to work with Animal Control as they conduct their investigation,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry in a statement.

“I understand the frustration of the police, that this is a minor offense in Alabama,” Hindi added.

Hindi shared that cockfighting operations can attract crowds from other states who commit further crimes.

In this case, WBRC spoke to family of the property owner who confirms they leased out the property for an event.

They did not want to go on camera but say the people on video were there for a “poultry show” – not cockfighting.

They say they are communicating with the sheriff’s office.

Regardless of the outcome, Hindi says there needs to be change.

“It’s a dangerous, ugly situation, certainly for Cullman County but for Alabama generally,” He said.

People who suspect animal abuse are encouraged to call their sheriff’s office as well.

Hindi says they will also gladly accept tips anonymously so his organization can help gather evidence for investigators.

People can email tips@sharkonline.org or call (630) 385-0244.

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