In early May, a complaint was received by Anne Arundel County Animal Control regarding a location being used to house and / or fight gamecocks (roosters). An investigation was conducted by the Vice Unit and Animal Control officers focusing on the below listed suspect and his residence in the 1200 block of Patuxent Road, Odenton, MD 21113.
As a result of the investigation, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the suspect and his residence. On June 8, 2015, Vice Unit detectives, with assistance from Animal Control and Humane Society of the United States personnel, executed the search warrant and searched the property.
Detectives located over two hundred birds, to include gamecocks (roosters), hens and chicks, on the property. All were removed by Animal Control. Detectives also located several items of paraphernalia indicative of cockfighting.
Detectives do not believe cockfighting was occurring at this location. It is believed that the birds were being bred at this location for purposes of cockfighting at other locations.
The below suspect was arrested and charged as follows:
Suspect:
Ethan Samuel Harmon, 36, 1200 block of Patuxent Road
Odenton, Md. 21113
Charges:
- Possession with intent to use a gaff to be used on a gamecock – (18 counts)
- Possession with intent to use a sparring muff on a gamecock – (4 counts)
- Possession with intent to use a cock for the purpose of fighting another animal (cockfighting) – (67 counts)
The below video is courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States and is used with permission.
This investigation is ongoing.
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