A large number of bird cages and a "vast array" of controlled medication, steroids and imported illegal substances were recovered at the site of alleged cock fighting yesterday (Monday, March 30).

However, no animals were seized at the premises in Tipperary town.

The seizure of the various items was part of a mutli-agency operation involving gardaí in the town; Tipperary County Council; the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA); the National Parks and Wildlife Service (National Parks and Wildlife Service); and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Cock fighting is a blood sport in which roosters are made to fight each other. The practice is illegal in Ireland.

A premises in Tipperary town was searched were cock fights were alleged to have taken place, as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected animal welfare incidents in the town.

Gardaí took to social media to confirm that a large number of bird cages were recovered at the residence, along with a "vast array" of controlled medication, steroids, antibiotics and imported illegal substances.

Gardaí confirmed that there was evidence of cock fighting having taken place at the site.

All items seized will be subject to forensic and technical analysis, gardaí said.

However, no animals were recovered, the garda social media post said.

No arrests have been made at this time.

"Investigations are ongoing and gardaí continue to liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine," gardaí said.

Arrest in Monaghan

This is the second time this month in which gardaí have been active in combatting this type of animal crime.

On March 20, gardaí arrested a man in relation to a suspected illegal 'cock fighting' event in Co. Monaghan almost two years ago.

The alleged event took place on July 27, 2024 and gardaí have continued to investigate what they suspect was an animal welfare incident.

The garda investigation took a step forward this month with the arrest of a man, aged in his 70s, in connection with this investigation.

He was released to appear before Monaghan District Court.

Gardaí confirmed that investigations into the 2024 incident are continuing.