Chicken fighting ring discovered by KSP in Casey County
BETHELRIDGE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia has concluded an investigation into an animal cruelty complaint reported in Casey County on Sunday, May 5. Following the investigation, fourteen individuals were charged for their participation in an incident that occurred in the Bethelridge community.
The incident unfolded on May 5, around 12:00 P.M. EST, when KSP Post 15 received a distress call reporting an organized chicken-fighting event taking place at a residence on KY 837. Troopers responded there, where they encountered several individuals present on the property.
When they arrived, troopers discovered a caged area with seating arranged for spectators, several injured chickens, and a concessions area set up on the property. Leo Harris, 59, and Christopher Harris, 39, both residents of Bethelridge, were arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals 2nd Degree. They were subsequently taken to the Casey County Detention Center.
In addition to the Harrises, twelve other individuals were charged and cited to court for their involvement in the incident. They are identified as follows:
- Steven Wesley, 35, of Science Hill
- Tiffany Robinson, 35, of Liberty
- Tyler Gillilan, 22, of Eubank
- James Croucher, 38, of Mount Vernon
- Brandon Mounce, 39, of Lancaster
- Randall Emerson, 49, of Bethelridge
- Kaleb Chansler, 33, of Middleburg
- Ronald Sharp, 47, of Russell Springs
- Dormas Bullock, 72, of Eubank
- Jeffrey Owens, 53, of Stanford
- David Bradshaw, 65, of Bethelridge
- Shawn Harris, 35, of Russell Springs
The investigation remains ongoing under the supervision of Trooper Maverick Gadberry, with assistance provided at the scene by Trooper Matthew Lee and Sergeant Levi Scott.
