A MAN HAS been charged with animal cruelty as part of an operation into cock fighting in Tipperary Town.

It follows a separate search on Monday, when gardaí seized a number of items linked to alleged cock fighting in Tipperary Town after a premises was searched where cock fighting events have allegedly taken place.

A large number of bird cages were recovered at the residence, along with further evidence of cock fighting including a vast array of controlled medication, steroids, antibiotics and imported illegal substances.

However, no animals were recovered at the premises and no arrests were made at the time.

Gardaí yesterday carried out another multi-agency operation, involving the Department of Agriculture, the NSPCA and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Gardaí said a premises was searched in Tipperary Town yesterday evening and a number of fighting roosters were discovered in what were described as “appalling conditions”.

A garda spokesperson said one bird was dead and another was extremely unwell.

Image of a bird at the premises searched by gardaí yesterday Garda Press Office Garda Press Office

All birds at the premises were seized by gardaí and handed into the care of the NSPCA, who will carry out an assessment on the birds to determine the appropriate course of action.

A man was arrested for alleged offences contrary to the Animal Welfare and Health Act and detained at Tipperary Town Garda Station.

He has since been charged with a number of offences, including animal cruelty.

The garda spokesperson said this operation into illegal cockfighting activity will continue in the Tipperary Town area.