CONVICTED (2022) | Gerald John Hughes, born c. 1972, of 37 Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BZ – participated in cruel cock fights and trapped a wild bird.

Hughes, a gypsy and persistent criminal with previous convictions for vehicle theft, ,shoplifting and driving without insurance, was prosecuted by the RSPCA after the charity was sent video clips showing a crowd gathered around fighting cockerels in a garden.

The RSPCA launched an investigation, which included executing a warrant alongside police in July 2021.

Officers reportedly observed a number of birds within an aviary, including a small brown bird, known as a Linnet, that officers suspected had been trapped from the wild and placed in captivity.

The wild Linnet was examined by a vet who specialises in birds, an RSPCA spokesperson said. They reportedly found the feathering on both wings was very poor and the bird’s tail was in an a bad condition, with the remains of only one feather. There was also damage to the bird’s jaw and loss of feathers to the sides of the beak, it was reported.

After seeing the footage of the cockfight, Mike Butcher, a retired RSPCA Inspector who worked for the charity for more than 40 years, said: “Cockfighting can cause very serious injuries and death, as the intention is for one cockerel to win by killing its opponent using beak, wings and particularly the hard natural spur.

“Cockerels are naturally aggressive and do not need much encouragement to attack another cockerel when the two are faced together; no matter where they are.”

Hughes pleaded guilty to being present at an animal fight and possessing a live wild bird.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who helped investigate for the animal welfare charity, said: “Cockfighting is an abhorrent and cruel practice which was outlawed almost 200 years ago. During fights, cockerels are placed into a pit where they face off, cheered on by a jeering crowd.

“To take enjoyment from watching two birds inflict such horrendous – and often life-threatening – injuries on each other is something that should be well and truly confined to the history books.”

Sentencing: two-year conditional discharge; £222 in costs and charges. 10-year disqualification from keeping birds, but can appeal after five years.

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