Target: Georgette C. Phillips, Commonwealth’s Attorney of Isle of Wight County, Virginia
Goal: Secure maximum felony convictions and permanent animal-ownership bans for individuals reportedly involved in large-scale cockfighting and cruelty.
Authorities reportedly seized more than 250 animals—including over 190 roosters and hens—from a Carrollton property during an investigation into suspected cockfighting. Many of the birds purportedly bore telltale “battle” modifications such as trimmed combs and sharpened spurs, and specialized enclosures on the scene apparently indicated they were being conditioned for fights. Officials say additional animals were found in neglected conditions.
Investigators reputedly recovered equipment and other evidence that suggested active or imminent illegal fighting activity. Cockfighting inflicts agonizing injuries: blades or gaffs are fastened to birds’ legs so they can slash and stab each other until one is left dying. Aside from the extreme animal suffering, such operations often attract gambling, weapons, and other criminal enterprises.
Virginia law classifies animal fighting and related activities as felonies, yet meaningful deterrence only comes when prosecutions are swift and sentences reflect the seriousness of the offense. Without strong legal consequences—including prison time, hefty fines, and lifetime bans on possessing animals—those who profit from this cruelty may resume their activities the moment scrutiny fades. Sign below to demand immediate, decisive action to protect current survivors and prevent future victims.
PETITION LETTER:
Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillips,
Investigators reportedly rescued more than 250 animals from a local property, including about 190 roosters and hens showing physical alterations commonly used to force birds into bloody combat. The sheriff’s office states that housing structures and paraphernalia consistent with organized cockfighting were also discovered. Such illegal matches subject sentient animals to prolonged agony, ending only when one bird dies from puncture wounds or is discarded when no longer profitable.
Cockfighting is recognized under Virginia Code as a felony not only for those who stage fights, but also for anyone who breeds, trains, transports, or possesses birds for that purpose. Vigorous prosecution in this case would affirm that our community will not tolerate enterprises built on deliberate torture. Moreover, strict penalties—including incarceration, substantial fines, and permanent forfeiture of the right to own animals—are vital to ensure the cruelty does not simply relocate and resume.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue the highest possible charges for every individual allegedly involved, to advocate for consecutive sentencing where applicable, and to request court-ordered lifetime bans on animal ownership. A strong stance will safeguard vulnerable animals, uphold Virginia’s humane laws, and send a clear warning that animal fighting will be met with the full force of justice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: James Johnstone
