The animal death toll in the fight against illegal cock fighting rings in Costa Rica increased by 102 yesterday. According to an article written by Maria Cuesta of national newspaper La Nacion, the 102 roosters had suffered deeply traumatic injuries during their lives as gamecocks.

The mass humane action took place after a raid by Fuerza Publica on an underground cock fighting venue in Desamparados, a populous canton in the southern working-class suburbs of San Jose. Fuerza Publica and the National Animal Health and Welfare Service (SENASA in Spanish) have been engaged over the last few months in several operations that seek to crackdown on these clandestine operations. The Costa Rica Star has been reporting on these actions by law enforcement: At the end of April 55 roosters were rescued in the Caribbean zone, and on April 17^th 10 gamecocks were confiscated thanks to an informant in the Osa canton.

Allan Sanchez, director of SENASA in the San Jose Metropolitan Area, explained to La Nacion that the animals were put down using a three-step process of sedatives and tranquilizers, followed by a strong anesthetic. Mr. Sanchez added that the gamecocks were not only mortally wounded, but also affected by a number of avian diseases. The euthanasia was conducted following procedures advocated by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

According to the official press release by Fuerza Publica, 243 men suspects were questioned at the cockfight. One man had an outstanding warrant and 56 had misdemeanor or felony backgrounds. Among the spectators and gamblers, 20 minors were also identified. Officers confiscated 150 roosters, 287 spurs, three handguns, and assorted paraphernalia that will serve as evidence once the organizers appear before a judge. The clandestine ring was a full service operation; it served food and alcohol and charged 2,000 colones (about $4) as admission fee.

Once a part of rural culture, cockfighting has been legally banned in Costa Rica for a few years, and is treated as unlawful and intentional harm to animals. It is a lucrative underground activity due to the gambling proceeds, and thus Fuerza Publica seeks the assistance of confidential informants and the community in their fight against this nefarious trade.

Last year, Fuerza Publica took down three other major cockfighting operations in Aserri, Coronado and Pavas.