Waterfowl Rescue raises money on Giving Tuesday for 200 birds saved from NC cockfighting ring

INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. — A nonprofit is trying to raise money to care for 200 roosters saved from a cockfighting ring in Lenoir County.

Law enforcement officials asked the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue to take the birds after they raided a cockfighting ring Sunday near Wheat Swamp, North Carolina.

Rescue volunteers said many of the birds have missing eyes, deformed feet and other injuries caused by fighting. They are undergoing medical exams Tuesday before their trip to Indian Trail.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match all donations to the nonprofit up to $1,000.

The funds will pay for food, medical care and housing for the roosters. The roosters are available for adoption.

“Rescues like ours struggle daily with funding. Our animals simply don’t have mainstream appeal,” rescue executive director Jennifer Gordon said. “We really need the public's support to care for these birds and find them forever homes.”

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Cox Media Group