HOLTWOOD, Pa. — A Lancaster County woman has been charged with animal cruelty and neglect charges after recovering more than 20 roosters suspected to be part of a Maryland cockfighting ring from her home in Holtwood, according to a criminal complaint affidavit filed earlier this month.
Kelly Cole, 46, claimed the birds belonged to her father prior to his death, and that she was keeping them as "pets," according to the complaint. But the PSPCA officer who is investigating the case noted the roosters had their combs and wattles removed, which he claims is "typical when a rooster is dressed for fights," and that "there is no agricultural purpose" to the practice.
Cole told the investigators the combs and wattles were removed to "reduce frostbite," but the investigator noted in the complaint that the removal of combs and wattles actually hindered the birds' ability to regulate their body temperature and adapt to weather changes.
The PSPCA began investigating Cole in October 2023, when they received a tip about a suspected cockfighting ring at a location in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Investigators in Maryland believed Cole owned the birds involved and was living in Holtwood.
When the PSPCA arrived at Cole's Holtwood residence to question her, they discovered dozens of roosters housed in wooden coops and several hens roaming free on the property. The hens were living in unsanitary conditions with little to no water, the PSPCA investigator noted.
In addition to her claim that the birds were pets, Cole also said she used to enter the Old English and Bantam roosters at 4-H shows prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigator noted that there was no evidence found on the property that indicated Cole ever took the birds to 4-H or other farm shows, and stated that 4-H shows typically would not allow birds with their combs and wattles removed to be entered.
When asked if she used the roosters in cockfights, Cole denied any involvement, but admitted that her father and grandfather used to fight birds.
The PSPCA returned to Cole's home in November with a search warrant and seized 22 roosters and one hen. Nearly all of the roosters exhibited signs of injury and scarring, and the hen was emaciated, had a head injury, was paralyzed in one leg, and was covered in feces.
Cole allegedly admitted to knowing about the hen's condition but not providing veterinary care, according to the complaint.
Cole is charged with felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and animal fight, a misdemeanor charge of owning animal fighting paraphernalia, and more than 20 summary counts of neglect of animals.
She has not yet been arraigned on the charges, according to court records.
