A MAN has been arrested by police on suspicion of breeding cockerels for fighting.

The arrest was made as part of a joint operation by Cumbria Police, the RSPCA, and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit’s (NWROCU) disruption team in Glasson, west of Carlisle, this week.

A spokesman from NWROCU said: “A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of breeding cockerels for fighting and a number of birds have been rescued.”

An investigation by the RSPCA is now underway.

A spokesman from the animal charity said: “Our officers joined Cumbria Police as they executed warrants at two addresses near Carlisle on Monday.

“A number of birds were seized and an investigation is now open.”

To make an anonymous call about animals in distress, contact 0300 1234 999.