Three people have been charged following the discovery of a cockfighting operation near the Bartholomew-Brown County line.
Mark O. Herrin, 9113 Grandview Road, Columbus; Randall L. Herrin, 110 Jonesville Road, Columbus; and Darina S. Herrin, address unavailable; each face felony charges of promoting an animal fighting contest and purchasing an animal for use in an animal fighting contest, according to court documents.
Officials estimate over 100 birds had to be removed from the properties.
The investigation started last year and spanned two states — Indiana and Kentucky, according to court documents.
Authorities have had the properties on Grandview and Jonesville roads and in Kentucky under surveillance for at least four months.
At the Grandview property, authorities saw roosters with their combs and wattles removed, a practice that is common to lessen injury during cockfighting, according to court documents.
The Indiana Gaming Commission and American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are investigating.
Check back for updates.
